bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A body shape index (ABSI) but not body mass index (BMI) is associated with prostate cancer‐specific mortality: Evidence from the US NHANES database
Authors: Ku Hui‐Chen , Cheng Evelyn , Cheng Ching‐Feng
Published: April 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy in males and obesity may play a role in its development and progression. Associations between visceral obesity measured by a body shape index (ABSI) and PCa mortality have not been thoroughly investigated. This study assessed the associations between ABSI, body mass index (BMI), and long‐term PCa‐specific mortality using a nationally representative US database.

Methods

This population‐based longitudinal study collected data of males aged ≥40 years diagnosed with PCa and who underwent surgery and/or radiation from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database 2001–2010. All included participants were followed through the end of 2019 using the National Center for Health Statistics Linked Mortality File. Associations between PCa‐specific mortality, BMI, and ABSI were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Data of 294 men (representing 1,393,857 US nationals) were analyzed. After adjusting for confounders, no significant associations were found between BMI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–1.16, p = 0.222), continuous ABSI (aHR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.83–2.02, p = 0.253), or ABSI in category (Q4 vs. Q1–Q3: aHR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.72–3.24, p = 0.265), and greater risk of PCa‐specific mortality. However, among participants who had been diagnosed within 4 years, the highest ABSI quartile but not in BMI was significantly associated with greater risk for PCa‐specific mortality (Q4 vs. Q1–Q3: aHR = 5.34, 95% CI: 2.26–12.62, p = 0.001). In ROC analysis for this subgroup, the area under the curve of ABSI alone for predicting PCa‐specific mortality was 0.638 (95% CI: 0.448–0.828), reaching 0.729 (95% CI: 0.490–0.968 when combined with other covariates.

Conclusions

In US males with PCa diagnosed within 4 years, high ABSI but not BMI is independently associated with increased PCa‐specific mortality.
Enhancing the anticancer effect of androgen deprivation therapy by monocarboxylate transporter 1 inhibitor in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kim Jimin , Park Sanghee , Kim Seunghwan , Ryu Seungyeon , Hwang Hyemin , Cho Sua , Han Yeonju , Kim Jisu , Park Yusun , Lee Eun Kyung , Lee Misu
Published: April 2024

Background

Tumor initiation and progression necessitate a metabolic shift in cancer cells. Consequently, the progression of prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in males globally, involves a shift from lipogenic to glycolytic metabolism. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) serves as the standard treatment for advanced‐stage PCa. However, despite initial patient responses, castrate resistance emerges ultimately, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the role of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in PCa post‐ADT and evaluate their potential as therapeutic targets.

Methods

PCa cells (LNCaP and C4‐2 cell line), which has high prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and androgen receptor (AR) expression among PCa cell lines, was used in this study. We assessed the expression of MCT1 in PCa cells subjected to ADT using charcoal‐stripped bovine serum (CSS)‐containing medium or enzalutamide (ENZ). Furthermore, we evaluated the synergistic anticancer effects of combined treatment with ENZ and SR13800, an MCT1 inhibitor.

Results

Short‐term ADT led to a significant upregulation in folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1) and solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1) gene levels, with elevated PSMA and MCT1 protein levels. Long‐term ADT induced notable changes in cell morphology with further upregulation of FOLH1/PSMA and SLC16A1/MCT1 levels. Treatment with ENZ, a nonsteroidal anti‐androgen, also increased PSMA and MCT1 expression. However, combined therapy with ENZ and SR13800 led to reduced PSMA level, decreased cell viability, and suppressed expression of cancer stem cell markers and migration indicators. Additionally, analysis of human PCa tissues revealed a positive correlation between PSMA and MCT1 expression in tumor regions.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that ADT led to a significant upregulation in MCT1 levels. However, the combination of ENZ and SR13800 demonstrated a promising synergistic anticancer effect, highlighting a potential therapeutic significance for patients with PCa undergoing ADT.
Adiabatic Potential for Conformational Change of VGa–VN Complex Defects in GaN
Authors: Nakamura Jota , Oda Masato , Kangawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2024

Focusing on a VGa–VN complex vacancy defect in GaN, the adiabatic potential for conformational changes of the VGa–VN is investigated using the density functional theory. There are two types of configurations due to the symmetry of the crystal, it is confirmed that there is almost no difference in their stability or electronic state. Using these configurations as the initial and final states, the defect reaction is analyzed when VGa–VN moves using the climbing‐image nudged elastic band method. The reaction barrier for the migration of VGa (VN) is found to be 2.2 (3.3) eV. It is concluded that these reactions occur frequently as GaN is annealed since the atomic diffusion potential barrier is similar to that in other semiconductors. These results suggest that VGa–VN in GaN moves through the crystal as a pair of vacancies by alternately repeating the VGa and the VN migration. These results provide important knowledge for elucidating the microscopic mechanism of the experimentally observed VGa–VN aggregation reaction.
Germacrone alleviates breast cancer‐associated osteolysis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways
Authors: Lin Zhengjun , Yang Yaocheng , Liu Tang , Wu Ziyi , Zhang Xianghong , Yang Jing
Published: April 2024

Bone is one of the most frequent sites for metastasis in breast cancer patients. Bone metastasis significantly reduces the survival time and the life quality of breast cancer patients. Germacrone (GM) can serve humans as an anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammation agent, but its effect on breast cancer‐induced osteolysis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions and mechanisms of GM in alleviating breast cancer‐induced osteolysis. The effects of GM on osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, F‐actin ring formation, and gene expression were examined in vitro. RNA‐sequencing and Western Blot were conducted to explore the regulatory mechanisms of GM on osteoclastogenesis. The effects of GM on breast cancer‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and breast cancer cell malignant behaviors were also evaluated. The in vivo efficacy of GM in the ovariectomy model and breast cancer bone metastasis model with micro‐CT and histomorphometry. GM inhibited osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption and F‐actin ring formation in vitro. Meanwhile, GM inhibited the expression of osteoclast‐related genes. RNA‐seq analysis and Western Blot confirmed that GM inhibited osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways. The in vivo mouse osteoporosis model further confirmed that GM inhibited osteolysis. In addition, GM suppressed the capability of proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Furthermore, GM could inhibit MDA‐MB‐231 cell‐induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and alleviate breast cancer‐associated osteolysis in vivo human MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer bone metastasis‐bearing mouse models. Our findings identify that GM can be a promising therapeutic agent for patients with breast cancer osteolytic bone metastasis.
Measuring drug similarity using drug–drug interactions
Authors: Lv Ji , Liu Guixia , Ju Yuan , Huang Houhou , Sun Ying
Published: April 2024

Combination therapy is a promising approach to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance, and computational models have been proposed for predicting drug–drug interactions. Most existing models rely on drug similarity measures based on characteristics such as chemical structure and the mechanism of action. In this study, we focus on the network structure itself and propose a drug similarity measure based on drug–drug interaction networks. We explore the potential applications of this measure by combining it with unsupervised learning and semi‐supervised learning approaches. In unsupervised learning, drugs can be grouped based on their interactions, leading to almost monochromatic group–group interactions. In addition, drugs within the same group tend to have similar mechanisms of action (MoA). In semi‐supervised learning, the similarity measure can be utilized to construct affinity matrices, enabling the prediction of unknown drug–drug interactions. Our method exceeds existing approaches in terms of performance. Overall, our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed similarity measure. On the one hand, when combined with clustering algorithms, it can be used for functional annotation of compounds with unknown MoA. On the other hand, when combined with semi‐supervised graph learning, it enables the prediction of unknown drug–drug interactions.
GCARDTI: Drug–target interaction prediction based on a hybrid mechanism in drug SELFIES
Authors: Feng Yinfei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Deng Zengqian , Xiong Mimi
Published: April 2024

The prediction of the interaction between a drug and a target is the most critical issue in the fields of drug development and repurposing. However, there are still two challenges in current deep learning research: (i) the structural information of drug molecules is not fully explored in most drug target studies, and the previous drug SMILES does not correspond well to effective drug molecules and (ii) exploration of the potential relationship between drugs and targets is in need of improvement. In this work, we use a new and better representation of the effective molecular graph structure, SELFIES. We propose a hybrid mechanism framework based on convolutional neural network and graph attention network to capture multi‐view feature information of drug and target molecular structures, and we aim to enhance the ability to capture interaction sites between a drug and a target. In this study, our experiments using two different datasets show that the GCARDTI model outperforms a variety of different model algorithms on different metrics. We also demonstrate the accuracy of our model through two case studies.
Containment control of systems with constraints and bounded disturbances
Authors: Zhang Jiayao , Li Zhi
Published: April 2024

This article studies the distributed containment control of a second‐order discrete‐time multi‐agent system with convex constraints on positions, nonconvex constraints on velocities, bounded disturbances on static points and switching topologies. A distributed control algorithm with disturbance information and local information is proposed. It is proved that when the static points with disturbances and the joint graph have a directed spanning forest among each time interval, all agents are gradually driven to the neighborhood of a convex hull spanned by the static points, and an upper bound of the neighborhood is obtained. The most innovative point is to utilize a rigorous mathematical theory to deal with convex constraint error rather than a geometric explanation. Meanwhile, another control algorithm with static point information and local information is proposed to converge all agents to the convex hull in the absence of external disturbances. Additionally, a numerical example is conducted to illustrate this theory.
Towards practical robotic chef: Review of relevant work and future challenges
Authors: Sochacki Grzegorz , Zhang Xiaoping , Abdulali Arsen , Iida Fumiya
Published: April 2024

Robotic chefs are a promising technology that can improve the availability of quality food by reducing the time required for cooking, therefore decreasing food's overall cost. This paper clarifies and structures design and benchmarking rules in this new area of research, and provides a comprehensive review of technologies suitable for the construction of cooking robots. The diner is an ultimate judge of the cooking outcome, therefore we put focus on explaining human food preferences and perception of taste and ways to use them for control. Mechanical design of robotic chefs at a practically low cost remains the challenge, but some recently published gripper designs as well as whole robotic systems show the use of cheap materials or off‐the‐shelf components. Moreover, technologies like taste sensing, machine learning, and computer vision are making their way into robotic cooking enabling smart sensing and therefore improving controllability and autonomy. Furthermore, objective assessment of taste and food palatability is a challenge even for trained humans, therefore the paper provides a list of procedures for benchmarking the robot's tasting and cooking abilities. The paper is written from the point of view of a researcher or engineer building a practical robotic system, therefore there is a strong priority for solutions and technologies that are proven, robust and self‐contained enough to be a part of a larger system.
The Potential of Tellurene‐Like Nanosheets as a Solution‐Processed Room‐Temperature Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Pan Zhenyu , Zhang Xinbo , DiSturco Isabella , Mao Yuanbing , Zhang Xian , Wang Heng
Published: April 2024

Low‐dimensional thermoelectric materials systems are proven to possess improved thermoelectric performance, either by enhancing the power factor S2σ through quantum confinement, or decreasing thermal conductivity with numerous interfaces. The 2D tellurium, also called tellurene, is a newly discovered 2D material which showed great potential for thermoelectric applications. In this article, high‐quality tellurene‐like nanosheets are synthesized by the hydrothermal method and assembled into nanostructured bulk materials by low‐temperature hot press, and their thermoelectric performance is investigated. Ultraviolet–ozone treatment is used to remove organic surface ligands. Doping is realized with surface doping with chalcogenidometalates. It is found that the Seebeck coefficient and the thermal conductivity of the nanosheet‐assembled bulk samples increased by ≈20% and decreased by 43% compared to bulk tellurium, respectively. Meanwhile, the carrier mobility is approaching, yet still lower than bulk tellurium. Overall, the best bulk sample possesses a zT of 0.1 at room temperature which is comparable to bulk Te. By further improving the mobility, this solution processable material can provide useful thermoelectric performance for room‐temperature applications.
Manganese Dioxide Coated Piezoelectric Nanosonosensitizer for Cancer Therapy with Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling and Multienzyme‐Like Catalysis
Authors: Yue Zhaoyang , Zhao Qinyu , Wang Shaobo , Yao Shuncheng , Wan Xingyi , Hu Quanhong , Wen Kaikai , Zhao Yunchao , Li Linlin
Published: April 2024

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) as an emerging method for cancer therapy has encountered difficulty in insufficient production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in tumor microenvironment (TME) with elevated antioxidants and hypoxic conditions. In this work, the authors have fabricated heterostructured manganese dioxide (MnO2)‐coated BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BTO@M NPs) as a piezoelectric sonosensitizer, which exhibits the capacity of remodeling TME and multienzyme‐like catalysis for boosting SDT. Benefitting from the piezotronic effect, the formation of a p‐n junction between MnO2 and piezoelectric BTO with a built‐in electric field and band bending efficiently promotes the separation of charge carriers, facilitating the generation of superoxide anion (•O2−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) under ultrasound (US) stimulation. Moreover, BTO@M NPs can catalyze the overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in TME to produce oxygen for replenishing the gas source in SDT, and also deplete antioxidant glutathione (GSH), realizing TME remodeling. During this process, the reduced Mn(II) can convert H2O2 into •OH, further amplifying cellular oxidative damage. With these combination effects, the versatile BTO@M NPs exhibit prominent cytotoxicity and tumor growth inhibition against 4T1 breast cancer. This work provides a feasible strategy for constructing high‐efficiency sonosensitizers for cancer SDT.
Separately measuring home‐field advantage for offenses and defenses: A panel‐data study of constituent channels within collegiate American football
Authors: McMahon Matthew J. , Quintanar Sarah Marx
Published: April 2024

We improve constituent‐channel estimates of home‐field and neutral‐site advantage for collegiate American football's top division by utilizing a richer, 12‐season data set and by exploiting the COVID‐19 pandemic as a random shock. Novel to the literature, we separately examine points scored by each team, allowing us to identify impacts on each team's offense and defense individually. The information set provided by our model is a strict superset of that provided by the previous standard in the literature, making ours a strictly dominant modeling choice. We demonstrate this improvement theoretically and empirically. Physiologically, away‐team travel distance does not impact their own score, but it increases home‐team scores, consistent with the notion that defenses tire faster than offenses. There is also similar but limited evidence of this effect for neutral‐site teams. Time zones may play a minor role, too. Psychologically, crowd size and density hurt away‐team scores but do not impact home or neutral‐site teams. The away‐team effect disappears in 2020, however, indicating that the pre‐2020 effect is caused by the crowd's noise, not their mere presence. We also find that increasing stadium capacity while holding crowd size constant hurts home‐team scores, highlighting the importance of considering ticket demand when considering stadium expansion. Tactically, stadium familiarity helps offenses, not defenses, while team‐opponent familiarity has the opposite effect. Weather also plays a role. At median values for key variables, we find an overall home‐field advantage of 4.1 points.
Diagnostic accuracy using artificial intelligence and ultrasound for rotator cuff pathology: A narrative review
Authors: McGuire Lisa B.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This narrative review aims to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with ultrasound in the context of diagnosing rotator cuff pathology.

Methods

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 2013 to 2023.

Studies compared the diagnostic accuracy and precision of AI algorithms and ultrasound for rotator cuff pathology detection.

Results

A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. The review shows that AI techniques have shown promising results in diagnosing rotator cuff injuries, with reported comparative accuracy, specificity and sensitivity.

Conclusion

The limited number of direct comparative studies makes it challenging to draw a definitive conclusion regarding superiority of one modality over another. However, the integration of AI in medical imaging holds significant potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities and streamline patient care.
Macrofloral biostratigraphy reflects late Carboniferous vegetation dynamics in the Nord‐Pas‐de‐Calais Coalfield, France
Authors: Molina‐Solís Azucena , Cleal Christopher J. , Monnet Claude , Cascales‐Miñana Borja
Published: April 2024

The Nord‐Pas‐de‐Calais Coalfield is formed by an almost continuous succession of upper Carboniferous deposits, from which an extremely diverse macroflora has historically been described. Recent evidence has highlighted a clear pattern of changing species diversity, showing some differences from what is seen in other coalfields of Variscan Euramerica. We further study this significant macroflora, focusing on the biostratigraphical changes and their palaeoecological implications. Clustering and ordination analyses have indicated key floral discontinuities that enable the standard regional macrofloral biozones to be recognized in the Nord‐Pas‐de‐Calais Coalfield. By combining these results with the previous diversity studies, six distinct phases in the evolution of the coal swamp vegetation in north‐eastern France can be identified: (1) an initial invasion of peat substrate vegetation in the earliest Langsettian; (2) a rapid diversification of the clastic substrate vegetation in the early–middle Langsettian; (3) a more gradual diversification of the vegetation of both clastic and peat substrates during the late Langsettian to middle Duckmantian glacial phase C3; (4) the appearance of more characteristically late Westphalian, but less diverse floras during the late Duckmantian to early Bolsovian C3–C4 interglacial phase; (5) a marked increase in species diversity in the middle–late Bolsovian, coinciding with the onset of the C4 glacial phase; and (6) a marked reduction in species diversity, and the appearance of new medullosaleans and marattialeans in the Asturian, possibly linked to climate change. The evidence clearly shows how this palaeotropical swamp vegetation was responding to climate change and orogenic landscape changes during Westphalian times.
Preparation of Starch Coconut Fatty Acid Inclusion Complexes by Twin‐Screw Extrusion
Authors: Selling Gordon , Cermak Steven C. , Kenar James A. , Finkenstadt Victoria L.
Published: April 2024

Starch‐guest molecule amylose inclusion complexes (AIC) are of interest to industry as a means to encapsulate and deliver compounds. Coconut fatty acids (CFA) consist predominantly of medium chain fatty acids having useful food and nonfood applications. This article describes the formation of high amylose corn (HAC)‐ or waxy corn starch (WC)‐CFA AIC containing 0%, 2%, 7.5%, and 15% CFA using a continuous thermomechanical extrusion process at 20% feed moisture and a twin‐screw extruder with a unique screw design. The extrusion conditions completely destructure both the HAC and waxy starch granules and the resulting materials are evaluated using SEM, XRD, FT‐IR, FTIR‐m, and TGA. The HAC‐CFA materials are shown to contain AIC having 61 V type helical structure between amylose and the CFA that are confirmed by XRD and IR spectral analysis. By TGA, extruded HAC materials containing 15% CFA are shown to have excess CFA present in addition to formed AIC. In contrast, the WC is shown not to form AIC with the CFA and only trap the CFA within the starch matrix. The understanding gained from this study is helpful to design the processing of starch‐based biopolymers to prepare AIC having improved functional properties for potential commercial applications.
Implementation of the Brunswick model system into the Hydrus software suite
Authors: Diamantopoulos Efstathios , Simunek Jirka , Weber Tobias K. D.
Published: April 2024

The Brunswick modular framework for modeling unsaturated soil hydraulic properties (SHP) over the full moisture range was implemented in the Hydrus suite. Users can now additionally choose between four different variants of the Brunswick model: (i) van Genuchten–Mualem (VGM), (ii) Brooks–Corey, (iii) Kosugi, and (iv) modified van Genuchten. For demonstration purposes, simulation results for two different setups, (i) bare soil evaporation and (ii) root water uptake, are presented, along with a comparison of the original VGM model and its Brunswick variant. Results show that the original VGM model underestimates the simulated cumulative evaporation and cumulative transpiration due to the inconsistent representation of the SHP in the dry moisture range. We also implemented a two‐step hydro‐PTF (pedotransfer function) into the Hydrus suite that converts the parameters of the original VGM model (from Rosetta) to the corresponding Brunswick variant. In that way, physically comprehensive simulations are ensured if no data on SHP are directly available, but information on physical soil properties (e.g., texture and bulk density) exists.
Biliary atresia in Uganda: Current ethical challenges and advancement of public policy
Authors: Kakembo Nasser , Loy J. Isaac , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Antiel Ryan M.
Published: April 2024

Biliary atresia is a progressive cholangiopathy in neonates, which often results in liver failure. In high‐income countries, initial treatment requires prompt diagnosis followed by Kasai portoenterostomy. For those with a late diagnosis, or those in whom Kasai portoenterostomy fails, liver transplantation is the only lifesaving treatment. Unfortunately, in low‐ and middle‐income countries, timely diagnosis is a challenge and liver transplantation is rarely accessible. Here, we discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding treatment of babies with biliary atresia in Uganda. Issues that require careful consideration include: risk of catastrophic health expenditure to families, ethical dilemmas of transplant tourism, medical risks of maintaining the transplant in a low‐resourced health system, and difficult decisions encountered by the surgeon caring for these patients. Four distinct models of the patient‐physician relationship are applied to biliary atresia in Uganda. These models describe differences in patient and physician roles, and patient values and autonomy. Solid organ transplantation is a rapidly evolving segment of healthcare in Uganda and ongoing policy advancements may shift ethical considerations in the future.
Application research of monochromatic micro x‐ray fluorescence in glass physical evidence traceability
Authors: Wang Xingyi , Li Yude , Wang Chenmeng , Huang Shaobo , Zhou Fengzi , Lin Xiaoyan
Published: April 2024

Micro‐x‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) is a commonly used elemental analysis technique for glass physical evidence in forensic cases, which can detect major and trace elements in samples and potentially identify glass fragments according to the differences in elemental composition. However, when a sample is irradiated with polychromatic x‐rays, bremsstrahlung scattering from the source radiation provides noise in the fluorescence spectrum and affects the detection results. To improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the fluorescence spectrum, a Mμ‐XRF spectrometer constructed under the low‐power Mo target x‐ray tube condition was used to analyze ten kinds of common glass fragments. The application of laboratory Mμ‐XRF analysis in single‐point detection of tiny glass materials was studied. Experimental results show that the detection limit of Sr element was 51 μg/L, and the spectrometer can distinguish different types of small glass fragments according to the fluorescence spectrum information.
The conformal manifold of S-folds in string theory
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Gautason Friðrik Freyr , van Muiden Jesse
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We continue the holographic exploration of the conformal manifold of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 S-fold SCFTs constructed by gauging the flavor symmetry of the Gaiotto-Witten T[U(N)] theory. We show how to uplift the two-parameter family of AdS4 vacua dual to this conformal manifold to 10d backgrounds of type IIB supergravity. We use these uplifted solutions to shed new light on the mysterious nature of the infinite distance limit on the conformal manifold and to study probe strings and D3-branes. This analysis uncovers an intriguing structure of the S3 partition function of the S-fold SCFTs which resembles the giant graviton expansion of the superconformal index of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. We also show how to each member of the family of supersymmetric AdS4 vacua one can associate a consistent truncation to 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauged supergravity and use this result, in conjunction with holography, to calculate the large N partition function of the 3d S-fold SCFT on compact Euclidean manifolds. Finally, we generalize the supersymmetric AdS4 vacua to a four-parameter family of non-supersymmetric AdS4 solutions.
On the symmetries of singular limits of spacetimes
Authors: Bergshoeff Eric , Matulich Javier , Ortín Tomás
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We consider spacetime metrics with a given (but quite generic) dependence on a dimensionful parameter such that in the 0 and ∞ limits of that parameter the metric becomes singular. We study the isometry groups of the original spacetime metrics and of the singular metrics that arise in the limits and the corresponding symmetries of the motion of p-branes evolving in them, showing how the Killing vectors and their Lie algebras can be found in general. We illustrate our general results with several examples which include limits of anti-de Sitter spacetime in which the holographic screen is one of the singular metrics and of pp-waves.
Development of an analytical method for the determination of more than 300 pesticides and metabolites in the particulate and gaseous phase of ambient air
Authors: Debler Freya , Gandrass Juergen
Published: April 2024

Pesticides can enter the atmosphere during spraying or after application, resulting in environmental or human exposure. The study describes the optimisation and validation of analytical methods for the determination of more than 300 pesticides in the particulate and gaseous phases of the air. Pesticides were sampled with high-volume air samplers on glass-fibre filters (GFFs) and glass columns filled with polyurethane foam (PUF) and XAD-2 resin. Comparing different extraction methods, a QuEChERS extraction with acetonitrile was selected for the GFFs. For the PUF/XAD-2 columns, a cold-column extraction with dichloromethane was used. Instrumental determination was performed using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-QTOF) and gas chromatography/electron impact ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS/MS). Recovery experiments showed recovery rates between 70 and 120% for 263 compounds on the GFFs and 75 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. Semi-quantitative determination was performed for 39 compounds on the GFFs and 110 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. Finally, 27 compounds on the GFFs and 138 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns could be determined only qualitatively. For the determination of the PUF/XAD-2 samples, signal suppression (LC) or signal enhancement (GC) due to matrix effects were determined. Method quantification limits of the optimised methods ranged from 30 to 240 pg/m3 for the target compounds on the GFFs, and from 8 to 60 pg/m3 on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by means of environmental air samples from an agricultural area in the Netherlands.
Placing Green Bridges Optimally, with a Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Fluschnik Till , Kellerhals Leon
Published: April 2024

We study the problem of placing wildlife crossings, such as green bridges, over human-made obstacles to challenge habitat fragmentation. The main task herein is, given a graph describing habitats or routes of wildlife animals and possibilities of building green bridges, to find a low-cost placement of green bridges that connects the habitats. We develop three problem models for this task and study them from a computational complexity and parameterized algorithmics perspective.
Elastic thermobarometry on metapelites across the crustal section of the Famatinian Arc, Argentina
Authors: Giovanini Emanuel , Befus Kenneth S. , Otamendi Juan E. , Cristofolini Eber , Guerreiro Tomas , Cisneros Miguel
Published: April 2024

We applied elastic thermobarometry on garnet-bearing migmatites along two transects through the crustal section at Sierra Valle Fértil-La Huerta, Argentina. We performed quartz-in-garnet barometry and zircon-in-garnet thermometry on metapelites from different paleo-depths across the crustal section. Our work recovers entrapment pressures ranging from 240 to 1330 MPa and entrapment temperatures between 691 and 1574 °C. The entrapment conditions are broadly consistent with anticipated pressures and temperatures along the crustal section derived previously using conventional, thermodynamic thermobarometers. The quartz-in-garnet barometer reproduces those conventionally established entrapment conditions when samples only experienced conditions within the alpha-quartz stability field. Raman-derived pressures for samples that experienced beta-quartz reference conditions are commonly much higher than those established by conventional barometry. Samples that preserve compressive (positive) residual pressures best reproduce reference entrapment pressures. Entrapment temperatures show high variability and overestimation of temperature conditions compared to conventional results. These results indicate elastic thermobarometry over- or under-estimates crystallization conditions in rocks crystallized at high temperatures, as is common in the Famatinian Arc deep-crust. We suggest that modeling quartz behavior across the alpha–beta transition may present challenges, as does shape maturation, viscous deformation, and radiation damage in zircon.
Dysphagia After Total Laryngectomy: An Exploratory Study and Clinical Phase II Rehabilitation Trial with the Novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0)
Authors: Neijman Marise , Hilgers Frans , van den Brekel Michiel , van Son Rob , Stuiver Martijn , van der Molen Lisette
Published: April 2024

The aims of this exploratory study and clinical phase II trial were to assess the specific nature and extent of dysphagia in laryngectomized patients with self-reported dysphagia, and its rehabilitation potential using the novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0). Twenty laryngectomized patients participated in a six-week exercise program with the SEA 2.0. Exercises consisted of Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR), Jaw Opening Against Resistance (JOAR), and Effortful Swallow Against Resistance, conducted three times per day. Swallowing was assessed at baseline (T0), six (T1) and 14 (T2) weeks, consisting of patient-reported outcomes, BMI, videofluoroscopy, swallowing capacity, and muscle strength measurements. Dysphagia significantly impacts quality of life, with impaired swallowing speed and bolus propulsion as main reported issues. Subjective dysphagia parameters, swallowing capacity, and pharyngeal residue clearance were reduced, but BMI was normal. Muscle and tongue strength were within normal ranges. All participants managed to use the SEA 2.0. Adherence was 95%. At T1, subjective swallowing parameters (MDADI and EAT-10) showed clinically relevant improvements. Objectively, CTAR and JOAR strength increased with 27.4 and 20.1 Newton, respectively. Also, swallowing capacity (from 2.4 g/s to 3.8 g/s) and pharyngeal residue clearance improved. At T2, results were slightly lower than at T1, but still better than at baseline. Dysphagia in laryngectomized patients affects quality of life, but swallowing can be improved with a six-week rehabilitation program using the novel SEA 2.0. Adherence was excellent and several subjective and objective swallowing parameters improved.
Human gut microbiome, diet, and mental disorders
Authors: Borrego-Ruiz Alejandro , Borrego Juan J.
Published: April 2024

Diet is one of the most important external factor shaping the composition and metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host health, including immune system development, nutrients metabolism, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules. In addition, the gut microbiome has been described as critical for the development of several mental disorders. Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field of research that may provide a link between diet, microbial function, and brain health. In this study, we have reviewed the influence of different diet types, such as Western, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and ketogenic, on the gut microbiota composition and function, and their implication in various neuropsychiatric and psychological disorders.
Abundance estimation of plains zebras via search–encounter sampling
Authors: Marshal Jason P. , Abadi Fitsum
Published: April 2024

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) using search–encounter methods estimate population abundance from encounters of individually recognisable animals along an a priori-designated search path. We applied search–encounter SCR methods and photographic sampling to estimate the abundance of plains zebras (Equus quagga) at Telperion and Ezemvelo nature reserves, South Africa. We analysed encounter data by comparing four hazard-function models for the detection process. The abundance estimate under three models was just above 1000 animals (95% credible intervals c. 960, 1220) versus 811 (719, 917) for the remaining model. The former estimates were broadly similar to aerial counts conducted around the same time. Standard deviation in locations around individual activity centres ($$\sigma _{move}$$

σ

move

) was c. 0.8 km, with little difference between models. In situations where structured surveys are not possible, the approach presented here has the potential to estimate abundance from opportunistic animal encounters (e.g. generated via citizen science schemes) within an SCR framework.
Formulation, Implementation and Validation of a 1D Boundary Layer Inflow Scheme for the QUIC Modeling System
Authors: Giani Paolo , Lamer Katia , Crippa Paola , Brown Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of accurate meteorological conditions for urban transport and dispersion calculations. In this work, we present a novel scheme to compute the meteorological input in the Quick Urban & Industrial Complex () diagnostic urban wind solver to improve the characterization of upstream wind veer and shear in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL). The new formulation is based on a coupled set of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) derived from the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, and is fast to compute. Building upon recent progress in modeling the idealized ABL, we include effects from surface roughness, turbulent stress, Coriolis force, buoyancy and baroclinicity. We verify the performance of the new scheme with canonical Large Eddy Simulation (LES) tests with the GPU-accelerated FastEddy"Equation missing" solver in neutral, stable, unstable and baroclinic conditions with different surface roughness. Furthermore, we evaluate QUIC calculations with and without the new inflow scheme with real data from the Urban Threat Dispersion (UTD) field experiment, which includes Lidar-based wind measurements as well as concentration observations from multiple outdoor releases of a non-reactive tracer in downtown New York City. Compared to previous inflow capabilities that were limited to a constant wind direction with height, we show that the new scheme can model wind veer in the ABL and enhance the prediction of the surface cross-isobaric angle, improving evaluation statistics of simulated concentrations paired in time and space with UTD measurements.
First-line therapy with palbociclib in patients with advanced HR+/HER2− breast cancer: The real-life study PALBOSPAIN
Authors: Martínez-Jañez N. , Ezquerra M. Bellet , Manso Sanchez L. M. , Carrasco F. Henao , Torres A. Anton , Morales S. , Ortega P. Tolosa , Gil V. L. Obadia , Sampedro T. , Conejero R. Andrés , Calvo-Martinez L. , Galve-Calvo E. , López R. , de la Pena F. Ayala , Lopez-Tarruella S. , de Araguiz B. A. Hernando Fernandez , Ruiz L. Boronat , Cardenas T. Martos , Chacon J. I. , Antón F. Moreno
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line therapy with palbociclib in a Spanish cohort treated after palbociclib approval.

Methods

PALBOSPAIN is an observational, retrospective, multicenter study evaluating real-world patterns and outcomes with 1 L palbociclib in men and women (any menopausal status) with advanced HR+/HER2– BC diagnosed between November 2017 and November 2019. The primary endpoint was real-world progression-free survival (rw-PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), the real-world response rate (rw-RR), the clinical benefit rate, palbociclib dose reduction, and safety.

Results

A total of 762 patients were included. The median rw-PFS and OS were 24 months (95% CI 21–27) and 42 months (40-not estimable [NE]) in the whole population, respectively. By cohort, the median rw-PFS and OS were as follows: 28 (95% CI 23–39) and 44 (95% CI 38-NE) months in patients withde novometastatic disease, 13 (95% CI 11–17) and 36 months (95% CI 31–41) in patients who experienced relapse < 12 months after the end of ET, and 31 months (95% CI 26–37) and not reached (NR) in patients who experienced relapse > 12 months after the end of ET. rw-PFS and OS were longer in patients with oligometastasis and only one metastatic site and those with non-visceral disease. The most frequent hematologic toxicity was neutropenia (72%; grade ≥ 3: 52.5%), and the most common non-hematologic adverse event was asthenia (38%).

Conclusion

These findings, consistent with those from clinical trials, support use of palbociclib plus ET as 1 L for advanced BC in the real-world setting, including pre-menopausal women and men.

Trial registration number

NCT04874025 (PALBOSPAIN). Date of registration: 04/30/2021 retrospectively registered.
Mobile learning supported science teaching application: Electric charges and electric energy
Authors: Karatay Salih Kubilay , Bakirci Hasan , Bülbül Sinan
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of mobile learning supported science teaching on eighth grade students' Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields and Information Technologies Self-Efficacy and to determine students' views on this process. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test post-test control group was used in the study. The study group consisted of a total of 45 students, 25 in the experimental group where the mobile learning supported 5E learning model was applied and 20 in the control group where the 5E learning model was applied. The applications in the experimental and control groups took place in a total of four weeks. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Career Interest Survey, Information and Communication Technologies Self-Efficacy Perception Scale and semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools in the study. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained; it was determined that mobile-assisted science teaching had a positive effect on eighth grade students' STEM interests and self-efficacy levels. In addition, students stated that mobile-assisted science teaching increased the retention of knowledge, facilitated understanding of the lesson, and was instructive and fun. Depending on the results obtained from the research, it was suggested that mobile assisted science teaching should be used in different units of the Science course in order to see the effect of mobile assisted science teaching on different variables more clearly.
How attitudes and purchases differ between also-online versus offline-only grocery shoppers in online and offline grocery shopping
Authors: Brüggemann Philipp , Pauwels Koen
Published: April 2024

The surge in online grocery shopping amid the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the balance between offline and online purchases, influencing consumer attitudes toward these channels. Given the anticipated continued growth of online grocery shopping in the coming years, research on this topic becomes increasingly crucial for retailers, manufacturers, and consumers. Particularly, brand managers and retailers find themselves uncertain about the implications for their consumer segments and products, including national versus private label brands, organic products, and fair-trade products. Against this backdrop, our study delves into consumer characteristics and purchase behavior to explore the distinctions between offline-only and also-online grocery shoppers. Additionally, we examine whether consumer behavior varies across offline and online channels. Specifically, we analyze extensive household panel data encompassing 4,142,485 purchases and diverse consumer characteristics (such as demographics and attitudes) from an average of 21,428 households spanning the years 2016–2020. It is noteworthy that also-online shoppers, despite their preference for convenience, tend to be younger, reside in larger cities, and exhibit more positive attitudes toward buying local and environmental responsibilities. These consumers, characterized by lower price consciousness and higher brand preferences, display a greater inclination toward national brands online compared to offline. Furthermore, they express more favorable attitudes toward organic and fair-trade products and exhibit relatively higher purchasing of these items. Our extensive empirical analyses reveal that these cross-sectional differences are attributable, in part, to demand-driven factors and, in part, to supply-side effects. Through this research, we provide valuable insights to brand managers, retailers, and researchers, facilitating a better understanding of the evolving retail landscape, particularly within the dynamic realm of online grocery shopping.
Endocrine-disrupting chemical concentrations in follicular fluid and follicular reproductive hormone levels
Authors: Hoffmann-Dishon Nathalie , Barnett-Itzhaki Zohar , Zalko Daniel , Hemi Rina , Farzam Nahid , Hauser Russ , Racowsky Catherine , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Machtinger Ronit
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To determine correlations between chemicals in follicular fluid (FF) and follicular reproductive hormone levels.

Methods

The analysis was part of a larger cohort study to determine associations between exposure to EDCs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. FF was aspirated from a single leading follicle per participant. Demographics and data on exposure to EDCs were self-reported by the participants using a questionnaire. The concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (PG), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B, as well as that of 12 phthalate metabolites and 12 phenolic chemicals were measured in each FF sample. Multivariate linear regression model was used to identify the drivers of hormone levels based on participant’s age, BMI, smoking status, and chemical exposure for the monitored chemicals detected in more than 50% of the samples. Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied on the resulting p values (q value).

Results

FF samples were obtained from 72 women (mean age 30.9 years). Most of the phthalates and phenolic substances monitored (21/24, 88%) were identified in FF. Ten compounds (7 phthalate metabolites, 3 phenols) were found in more than 50% of samples. In addition, there were positive associations between E2 levels and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (beta = 0.01) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (beta = 0.03) levels (q value < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites, present among others in personal care products, were associated with increased E2 levels in FF. The results emphasize the need to further investigate the mechanisms of action of such EDCs on hormonal cyclicity and fertility in women.