bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal weighted Bonferroni tests and their graphical extensions
Authors: Xi Dong , Chen Yao
Published: December 2023

Regulatory guidelines mandate the strong control of the familywise error rate in confirmatory clinical trials with primary and secondary objectives. Bonferroni tests are one of the popular choices for multiple comparison procedures and are building blocks of more advanced procedures. It is usually of interest to find the optimal weighted Bonferroni split for multiple hypotheses. We consider two popular quantities as the optimization objectives, which are the disjunctive power and the conjunctive power. The former is the probability to reject at least one false hypothesis and the latter is the probability to reject all false hypotheses. We investigate the behavior of each of them as a function of different Bonferroni splits, given assumptions about the alternative hypotheses and correlations between test statistics. Under independent tests, unique optimal Bonferroni weights exist; under dependence, optimal Bonferroni weights may not be unique based on a fine grid search. In general, we propose an optimization algorithm based on constrained nonlinear optimization and multiple starting points. The proposed algorithm efficiently identifies optimal Bonferroni weights to maximize the disjunctive or conjunctive power. In addition, we apply the proposed algorithm to graphical approaches, which include many Bonferroni‐based multiple comparison procedures. Utilizing the closed testing principle, we adopt a two‐step approach to find optimal graphs using the disjunctive power. We also identify a class of closed test procedures that optimize the conjunctive power. We apply the proposed algorithm to a case study to illustrate the utility of optimal graphical approaches that reflect study objectives.
DFT QM/MM MD Calculations to Identify Intermolecular Interactions within the Active Sites of MraYAA Bound to Antibiotics Capuramycin, Carbacaprazamycin, and 3′‐Hydroxymureidomycin A
Authors: Astani Elahe K. , Malek Zadeh Saeid , Sardari Soroush , Khosravian Mahnaz
Published: December 2023

The bacterial transmembrane enzyme Phospho‐N‐acetylmuramoyl‐pentapeptide translocase from Aquifex aeolicus (MraYAA) plays an important role in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall. The natural‐product nucleoside inhibitors such as capuramycin, carbacaprazamycin, and 3′‐hydroxymureidomycin A block the biosynthetic pathway of MraYAA by inhibiting its function. Since these MraYAA inhibitors have distinct complex chemical structures, the strengths of MraYAA‐inhibitor interactions strongly depend on the inhibitory structure. Here, the crystal structures of MraYAA‐capuramycin, MraYAA‐carbacaprazamycin, and MraYAA‐3′‐hydroxymureidomycin A were separately optimized by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Further, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses at the M06‐2X/6‐31G** level were done on the active site of each optimized structure to specify the characteristics of intermolecular interactions of each cited inhibitor with the MraYAA active site residues. Our results revealed that Lys70, Thr75, Asp193, Asp196, Gly264, Asp265, and His325 play key roles in binding these inhibitors to MraYAA through hydrogen bonds of common types with strength ranging from van der Waals to covalent characters accompanying electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. MraYAA‐inhibitor interaction energies demonstrated that the MraYAA active site has the strongest intermolecular interactions with capuramycin.
Selenium‐Containing Nanocomplexes Achieve Dual Immune Checkpoint Blockade for NK Cell Reinvigoration
Authors: Xianyu Banruo , Pan Shuojiong , Gao Shiqian , Xu Huaping , Li Tianyu
Published: December 2023

The blockade of immune checkpoints has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, most of the current approaches focus on T cells, leaving natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated therapeutic strategies rarely explored. Here, a selenium‐containing nanocomplex is developed that acts as a dual immune checkpoint inhibitor to reinvigorate NK cell‐based cancer immunotherapy. The Se nanocomplex can deliver and release siRNA that targets programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) in tumor cells, thereby silencing the checkpoint receptor PD‐L1. The intracellular reactive oxygen species generated by porphyrin derivatives in the nanocomplexes can oxidize the diselenide bond into seleninic acid, which blocks the expression of another checkpoint receptor, human leukocyte antigen E. The blockade of dual immune checkpoints shows synergistic effects on promoting NK cell‐mediated antitumoral activity. This study provides a new strategy to reinvigorate NK cell immunity for the development of combined cancer immunotherapy.
Overcoming Low C2+Yield in Acidic CO2Electroreduction: Modulating Local Hydrophobicity for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Yao Zhe , Lin Rui
Published: December 2023

Operating electrochemical CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) in acidic media has garnered considerable attention due to its sustainable electrolyte cycling and stable performance. Nevertheless, the severe parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and decayed multi‐carbon species (C2+) yield still hampers efficient CO2RR in acid. Here, this work investigates the influence of local hydrophobicity on the acidic CO2RR. By employing direct electrodeposition, the hydrophobicity of the catalyst layer can be finely tuned over a wide range without additive. It is revealed that the hydrophobic microenvironment significantly suppressed HER, improved CO2RR performance and boosted C2+yield. A Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ≈74% for C2+is achieved in pH = 2 on electrodeposited copper with a highly hydrophobic environment. Moreover, this phenomenon can be extended to industrial application. An ≈81% total FE for the CO2RR, along with a ≈62% FE for C2+species, is achieved even with commercial copper. Remarkably, the system exhibited stable operation for a continuous period exceeding 50 h at an industrially applied current density of 300 mA cm−2. This work highlights the crucial role of interface hydrophobicity in acidic CO2RR and proposes a facile and universally applicable method for achieving efficient and stable CO2RR to high‐value products in acidic media.
Exploring CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) Perovskite Nanocrystals in Amorphous Oxide Glasses: Innovations in Fabrication and Applications
Authors: Samiei Sadaf , Soheyli Ehsan , Vighnesh Kunnathodi , Nabiyouni Gholamreza , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: December 2023

Metal halide perovskites with excellent optical and electronic properties have become a trending material in the current research. However, their limited stability under ambient conditions degrades quality and threatens their potential commercialization as optoelectronic devices. Various approaches are adopted to improve the stability of perovskite nanocrystals (PeNC) while maintaining their advantageous optical properties, particularly strong luminescence. Among different possible improvement strategies, encapsulation of PeNCs within the amorphous glass matrices of inorganic oxides has drawn widespread attention because it ensures high resistance against chemical corrosion and high temperature, thus enhancing their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability with improved light‐emission characteristics. In this article, two types of materials, namely all‐inorganic metal halide PeNCs and amorphous oxide glasses are briefly introduced, and then the methods are reviewed to fabricate and improve the quality of PeNC@glass composites. These methods are classified into three universal categories: compositional modification, structural modification, and dual encapsulation. In the final part of this review paper, examples of applications of PeNCs@glass composites in light‐emitting devices and displays, data storage and anti‐counterfeiting, lasing, photodetectors and X‐ray detectors, photocatalysis, optical filters, solar concentrators, and batteries are provided.
Improved Electrical Output Performance of Cellulose‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators Enabled by Negative Triboelectric Materials
Authors: Wang Feijie , Wang Suyang , Liu Yifan , Hou Tianmeng , Wu Zhen , Qian Jing , Zhao Zhicheng , Wang Liqiang , Jia Chao , Ma Shufeng
Published: December 2023

Cellulose‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted widespread attention due to the low cost and environmentally friendly characteristics of cellulose. However, achieving high electrical energy output from these generators still presents significant challenges. Here, cellulose is dissolved‐regenerated to form a composite aerogel with high specific surface area, in which cellulose‐based composites with excellent negative triboelectric properties are developed by coupling the rich 3D network structure of the regenerated cellulose aerogel, modified barium titanate, and poly(vinylidene fluoride). The TENGs assembled from the composite materials exhibit an output voltage of 1040 V and a current of 1.165 mA at an external force of 8 N and a frequency of 4 Hz, outperforming all cellulose‐based negative triboelectric materials. In addition, the nanogenerators have a stable electrical energy output capacity, with no significant property degradation in 100 000 contact‐separation tests. The excellent electrical output property of the composite materials enables them to harvest energy from human movement and waterdrops, demonstrating their great application prospects in wearable devices, energy harvesting devices, self‐powered sensors, and other fields.
Mn Doping and P Vacancy Induced Fast Phase Reconstruction of FeP for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Seawater
Authors: Wang Ketao , Liu Xiaobin , Yu Qingping , Wang Xuanyi , Zhu Jiawei , Li Yanyan , Chi Jingqi , Lin Haifeng , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

Due to the shortage of pure water resources, seawater electrolysis is a promising strategy to produce green hydrogen energy. To avoid chlorine oxidation reactions (ClOR) and the production of more corrosive hypochlorite, enhancing OER electrocatalyst activity is the key to solving the above problem. Considering that transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are promising OER eletrocatalysts for seawater splitting, a method to regulate the electronic structure of FeP by introducing Mn heteroatoms and phosphorus vacancy on it (Mn‐FePV) is developed. As an OER electrocatalyst in seawater solution, the synthesized Mn–FePV achieves extremely low overpotentials (η500 = 376, η1000 = 395 mV). In addition, the Pt/C||Mn–FePV couple only requires the voltage of 1.81 V to drive the current density of 1000 mA cm−2 for overall seawater splitting. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that Mn–FePV (0.21 e−) has more charge transfer number compared with FeP (0.17 e−). In‐situ Raman analysis shows that phosphorus vacancy and Mn doping can synergistically regulate the electronic structure of FeP to induce rapid phase reconstruction, further improving the OER performance of Mn–FePV. The new phase species of FeOOH is confirmed to can enhance the adsorption kinetics of OER intermediates.
A Method Probing High‐Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Crystalline Materials
Authors: Zhang Zhengang , Wu Jisen , Zhu Quan , Ma Jianyi
Published: December 2023

To date, the oxidation behavior of crystal materials is not fully understood; additional research is needed to understand the oxidation of materials. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and a 3D kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model are used to investigate the infiltration and diffusion behaviors of oxygen atoms within the crystal. Oxygen molecules readily adsorbes on crystal surfaces of the material and rapidly dissociates, verified by both first‐principles calculations and energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS) results. The infiltration ability of oxygen atoms into the inner crystal layers is affected by the surrounding oxygen atom, lattice compactness, and other factors. Energy‐barrier calculations show that crystal thin/dense layers have significant effects on the crystal oxidation process, so high‐pressure technology is used to investigate this correlation experimentally. KMC calculations and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) show the infiltration behavior of oxygen atoms in the main crystal plane (211) toward the inner layers has the highest proportion to the actual high‐temperature oxidation behavior of the title material. The results of both the KMC calculations and thermal experiments show the material peeled off upon further oxidation, which accelerates oxidation. At the same time, high‐pressure treatment increases the oxidation resistance of materials at lower temperatures (<600 °C).
Honeycomb Electron Lattice Induced Dirac Fermion with Trigonal Warping in Bilayer Electrides
Authors: Meng Weizhen , Wu Hongbo , Jiao Yalong , Ma Fengxian , Wang Shiyao , Liu Ying , Liu Guodong , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: December 2023

Emergent fermions arising from the excess electrons of electrides provide a new perspective for exploring semimetal states with unique Fermi surface geometries. In this study, a class of unique two‐dimensional (2D) highly anisotropic Dirac fermions is designed using a sandwich structure. Based on the structural design and first‐principles calculations, 2D electride MB (M = Ca/Sr, B = Cl/Br/I) is an ideal candidate material. The excess electrons of the bilayer MB could be stably localized in the interstitial cavities, constructing a natural zigzag honeycomb electron sublattice that further forms a Dirac fermion. Compared with traditional Dirac semimetals, 2D Dirac electrides exhibited rich physical properties: i) The Fermi surface shows trigonal warping in low‐energy regions. In particular, the geometry of the Fermi surface determines the high anisotropy of the Fermi velocity. ii) A pair of Dirac fermions are protected by three‐fold rotational symmetry and exhibit strong robustness. iii) Electride MB possesses a lower work function that strongly correlates with the surface area of the emission channel. Based on these properties, an electron‐emitting device with multifunctional applications is fabricated. Therefore, this study provides an ideal platform for studying potential entanglement between structures, electrides, and topological states.
Light‐Wavelength‐Selective Transparent ITO/Ag/ITO/Ag/ITO Structure for Functional Energy Applications
Authors: Choi Chanhyuk , Lee Junghyun , Ghosh Shuvaraj , Patel Malkeshkumar , Lee Junsik , Bhatnagar Priyanka , Kumar Naveen , Osigwe Chidingozi Emeka , Kim Joondong
Published: December 2023

Is it possible to achieve efficient energy control without it being visible? If it could, it would enable human to produce energy in a transparent manner and manage energy usage intelligently by reducing consumption through building and vehicle windows, and other structures. Herein, thin films are created that are highly transparent and can filter light by selecting specific wavelengths. The films consist of multiple layers of ITO/Ag/ITO/Ag/ITO (IAIAI) that are designed to reflect light selectively using the Bragg reflection effect. These films are able to block an average of 89.6% of near‐infrared light in the 800–1400 nm range, while maintaining a high optical transparency of 69.2% (±0.1%) at 550 nm with an excellent sheet resistance value of 1.06 Ω □−1. The IAIAI structure is also used as electrodes for transparent photovoltaic (TPV) devices, allowing for the collection of photogenerated carriers while ensuring overall optical transparency. ZnO/NiO‐based TPV devices using IAIAI films as transparent conducting electrodes are found to have a high open‐circuit voltage value of 271 mV with a short‐circuit current density value of 1.55 mA cm−2. Thus, the multifunctional IAIAI films offer a range of possibilities for transparent energy devices.
Toward effective electrocatalytic C–N coupling for the synthesis of organic nitrogenous compounds using CO2 and biomass as carbon sources
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wu Xu , Zhang Heng , Yan Qiong , Li Hui , Ma Tianyi , Yang Song
Published: December 2023

Thermochemical conversion of fossil resources into fuels, chemicals, and materials has rapidly increased atmospheric CO2 levels, hindering global efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. With the increasing push for sustainability, utilizing electrochemical technology to transform CO2 or biomass into value‐added chemicals and to close the carbon cycle with sustainable energy sources represents a promising strategy. Expanding the scope of electrosynthesis technology is a prerequisite for the electrification of chemical manufacturing. To this end, constructing the C─N bond is considered a priority. However, a systematic review of electrocatalytic processes toward building C─N bonds using CO2 and biomass as carbon sources is not available. Accordingly, this review highlights the research progress in the electrosynthesis of organic nitrogen compounds from CO2 and biomass by C─N coupling reactions in view of catalytic materials, focusing on the enlightenment of traditional catalysis on C─N coupling and the understanding of the basis of electrochemical C─N coupling. The possibility of C─N bond in electrocatalysis is also examined from the standpoints of activation of substrates, coupling site, mechanism, and inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Finally, the challenges and prospects of electrocatalytic C─N coupling reactions with improved efficiency and selectivity for future development are discussed.
Generalized entropy for general subregions in quantum gravity
Authors: Jensen Kristan , Sorce Jonathan , Speranza Antony J.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We consider quantum algebras of observables associated with subregions in theories of Einstein gravity coupled to matter in the GN → 0 limit. When the subregion is spatially compact or encompasses an asymptotic boundary, we argue that the algebra is a type II von Neumann factor. To do so in the former case we introduce a model of an observer living in the region; in the latter, the ADM Hamiltonian effectively serves as an observer. In both cases the entropy of states on which this algebra acts is UV finite, and we find that it agrees, up to a state-independent constant, with the generalized entropy. For spatially compact regions the algebra is type II1, implying the existence of an entropy maximizing state, which realizes a version of Jacobson’s entanglement equilibrium hypothesis. The construction relies on the existence of well-motivated but conjectural states whose modular flow is geometric at an instant in time. Our results generalize the recent work of Chandrasekaran, Longo, Penington, and Witten on an algebra of operators for the static patch of de Sitter space.
Phase diagram of QCD matter with magnetic field: domain-wall Skyrmion chain in chiral soliton lattice
Authors: Eto Minoru , Nishimura Kentaro , Nitta Muneto
Published: December 2023

Abstract

QCD matter in strong magnetic field exhibits a rich phase structure. In the presence of an external magnetic field, the chiral Lagrangian for two flavors is accompanied by the Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) term containing an anomalous coupling of the neutral pion π0 to the magnetic field via the chiral anomaly. Due to this term, the ground state is inhomogeneous in the form of either chiral soliton lattice (CSL), an array of solitons in the direction of magnetic field, or domain-wall Skyrmion (DWSk) phase in which Skyrmions supported by π3[SU(2)] ≃ ℤ appear inside the solitons as topological lumps supported by π2(S2) ≃ ℤ in the effective worldvolume theory of the soliton. In this paper, we determine the phase boundary between the CSL and DWSk phases beyond the single-soliton approximation, within the leading order of chiral perturbation theory. To this end, we explore a domain-wall Skyrmion chain in multiple soliton configurations. First, we construct the effective theory of the CSL by the moduli approximation, and obtain the ℂP1 model or O(3) model, gauged by a background electromagnetic gauge field, with two kinds of topological terms coming from the WZW term: one is the topological lump charge in 2+1 dimensional worldvolume and the other is a topological term counting the soliton number. Topological lumps in the 2+1 dimensional worldvolume theory are superconducting rings and their sizes are constrained by the flux quantization condition. The negative energy condition of the lumps yields the phase boundary between the CSL and DWSk phases. We find that a large region inside the CSL is occupied by the DWSk phase, and that the CSL remains metastable in the DWSk phase in the vicinity of the phase boundary.
Migration strategies of skuas in the southwest Atlantic Ocean revealed by stable isotopes
Authors: Mills William F. , Ibañez Andrés E. , Carneiro Ana P. B. , Morales Lara M. , Mariano-Jelicich Rocío , McGill Rona A. R. , Montalti Diego , Phillips Richard A.
Published: December 2023

Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured in feathers to compare the non-breeding distributions and habitat use of adult brown skuas Stercorarius antarcticus lönnbergi from high-latitude colonies at Esperanza/Hope Bay (Antarctic Peninsula, 63°S) and Signy Island (South Orkneys, 60°S), with those from Bird Island (South Georgia, 54°S), which have also been tracked previously using geolocators. Breeding colony, but not sex, had a significant effect on feather δ13C and δ15N values. Feather stable isotope data from South Georgia birds mostly corresponded to oceanic, mixed subtropical–subantarctic to subantarctic waters, which agrees with the tracking data, as did a subset of the birds from the two higher latitude populations. However, other individuals displayed feather stable isotope ratios that were consistent with continental shelf or shelf-slope waters, suggesting that unlike the vast majority of brown skuas from South Georgia, many birds from higher latitude colonies spend the non-breeding season on, or near, the Patagonian Shelf. These population-level differences may have implications for exposure to anthropogenic threats or have carryover effects on subsequent breeding behaviour or performance.
Agriculture at the Phoenician site of La Fonteta (Alicante, Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Jordà Guillem , Lorrio Alberto J. , López Rosendo Ester , Torres Ortiz Mariano
Published: December 2023

The Phoenician settlement of La Fonteta (Alicante, Spain) was founded in the late 8th cent bc at the mouth of the Río Segura. It has provided one of the most complete archaeobotanical records of all Phoenician Mediterranean sites which points to an agricultural system based on cultivating cereals, pulses and a wide variety of fruits such as grape, fig and pomegranate. These crops then spread to the surrounding indigenous settlements. Apart from integrating new crops, these local and regional indigenous sites progressively began to take part in a Mediterranean-wide network characterised particularly by trade in agricultural produce. The agricultural system of La Fonteta was not new to the Iberian Peninsula, as there is evidence that it arrived earlier at Phoenician colonies along its Mediterranean coastline. One of the most relevant aspects of the archaeobotanical record from La Fonteta is that it represents crafts there, as a large part of the remains correspond to plants which were burnt as fuel in its numerous metal working furnaces.
Towards time-resolved multi-property measurements by filtered Rayleigh scattering: diagnostic approach and verification
Authors: Doll Ulrich , Kapulla Ralf , Dues Michael , Steinbock Jonas , Melnikov Sergey , Röhle Ingo , Migliorini Matteo , Zachos Pavlos K.
Published: December 2023

The use of multiple perspective views is a possible pathway towards the combined measurement of multiple time-resolved flow properties by filtered Rayleigh scattering (FRS). In this study, a six view observation concept is experimentally verified on a aspirated pipe flow. The concept was introduced in our previous work, and it has the ability to simultaneously measure high-accuracy time-averaged and time-resolved three-component velocity, pressure and temperature fields. To simulate time-resolution, multi-view FRS data at a single optimised excitation frequency are selected and processed for multiple flow properties. Time-averaged and quasi-time-resolved FRS results show very good agreement with differential pressure probe measurements and analytical temperature calculations and lie within $$\pm 2$$

±
2

 m/s of complementary laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) velocity measurements for all operating points. The introduction of a multistage fitting procedure for the time-resolved analysis leads to a significant improvement of the precision by factors of 4 and 3 for temperature and axial velocity and 18 for pressure. Moreover, both processing methods show their capacity to resolve flow structures in a swirling flow configuration. It is demonstrated that the developed multi-view concept can be used to determine multiple flow variables from a single-frequency measurement, opening the path towards time-resolved multi-parameter measurements by FRS.
Management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies analysis of a large tertiary center case series
Authors: Tremmel E. , Starrach T. , Buschmann C. , Trillsch F. , Kolben T. , Mahner S. , Burges A. , Kost B. , Ehmann L. , Burgmann D. M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Ectopic pregnancies include cesarean scar (CSP), cornual and cervical pregnancies. Various treatment modalities have been- described, but no standardized procedure has been defined so far. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the diagnostics and treatment at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU University Hospital, Munich.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center analysis, 24 patients treated between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. After verification of the diagnosis by imaging and HCG–analysis, the treatment was individually determined: therapy with methotrexate (MTX) locally with or without simultaneous systemic treatment, surgical treatment via curettage, excision with uterine reconstruction even hemi hysterectomy.

Results

Ten patients presented with CSP, six with cervical and eight with cornual pregnancies. Median age was 34.6 years. CSP was treated with local MTX in six cases; five required additional treatment with systemic MTX or curettage. Primary curettage or surgery was performed in four cases. In cervical pregnancies the primary therapy with local MTX injection and systemic treatment was performed in 50%. One patient was treated with MTX and insertion of a Bakri balloon. Trachelectomy was required in one case. 50% of cornual pregnancies were treated with MTX locally and intramuscularly and 50% received surgery.

Conclusion

Treatment strategies were based on the patient’s individual risk parameters. The results of this study show, that simultaneous treatment with local and systemic MTX had good outcomes and could avoid surgeries.
Long-term comparison of anterior (ALIF) versus transforaminal (TLIF) lumbar interbody fusion: a propensity score-matched register-based study
Authors: Alhaug Ole Kristian , Dolatowski Filip C. , Thyrhaug Anette Moltu , Mjønes Sverre , Dos Reis Joao André Barroso Pereira Roque , Austevoll Ivar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Anterior (ALIF) and transforaminal (TLIF) lumbar interbody fusion have shown similar clinical outcomes at short- and medium-term follow-ups. Possible advantages of ALIF in the long run could be better disc height and lumbar lordosis and reduced risk of adjacent segment disease. We aimed to study if ALIF could be associated with superior clinical outcomes than TLIF at long-term follow-up.

Methods

We analysed 535 patients treated with ALIF or TLIF of the L5-S1 spinal segment between 2007 and 2017 who completed long-term follow-up in a national spine registry database (NORspine). We defined treatment success after surgery as at least 30% improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at long-term follow-up. Patients treated with ALIF and TLIF and who responded at long term were balanced by propensity score matching. The proportions of successfully treated patients within each group were compared by numbers and percentages with corresponding relative risk.

Results

The mean (95%CI) age of the total study population was 50 (49–51) years, and 264 (49%) were females. The mean (95%CI) preoperative ODI score was 40 (39–42), and 174 (33%) had previous spine surgery. Propensity score matching left 120 patients in each treatment group. At a median (95%CI) of 92 (88–97) months after surgery, we found no difference in proportions successfully treated patients with ALIF versus TLIF (68 (58%) versus 77 (65%), RR (95%CI) = 0.88 (0.72 to1.08); p = 0.237).

Conclusions

This propensity score-matched national spine register study of patients treated with ALIF versus TLIF of the lumbosacral junction found no differences in proportions of successfully treated patients at long-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence I

Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
Do Attitudes Towards Immigrants Matter? The Subjective Wellbeing of Immigrants in England and Wales and Their Exposure to Non-migrants
Authors: Šedovič Michaela
Published: December 2023

The wellbeing of immigrants is affected by those around them and the context in which they live. Yet we still know relatively little about the impact that attitudes towards immigrants (ATI) have on immigrants’ life satisfaction, nor do we know the routes by which it manifests. By matching individual data from the UK Understanding Society study to area-level data on ATI for England and Wales from the 2018 European Values Study, I examine whether subnational ATI are associated with immigrants’ life satisfaction. If so, I aim to determine the geographical level at which it is prominent and identify the channels through which this association operates. By exploiting the different geographical scales at which ATI are aggregated, I show within-country variation in ATI. Controlling for contextual- and individual-level characteristics, I find that immigrants’ wellbeing is sensitive to exposure to the negative ATI of non-migrants at the regional level but not at the municipal level. Theoretically identified channels (local social cohesion and ethnic composition) are not drivers of this association, but it is moderated by (interethnic) friendships. Further, I show that ATI are a measure of environment rather than a function of intergroup contact or exposure and that the entire composition of the ATI in an area is more important than the most negative attitudes. I discuss the implications of these findings.
What’s Good About Inclusion? An Ethical Analysis of the Ideal of Social Inclusion for People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: van der Weele Simon , Bredewold Femmianne
Published: December 2023

‘Social inclusion’ is the leading ideal in services and care for people with intellectual disabilities in most countries in the Global North. ‘Social inclusion’ can refer simply to full equal rights, but more often it is taken to mean something like ‘community participation’. This narrow version of social inclusion has become so ingrained that it virtually goes unchallenged. The presumption appears to be that there is a clear moral consensus that this narrow understanding of social inclusion is good. However, that moral consensus is not clear in the case of people with profound intellectual and/or multiple disabilities (PIMD), who are not able to express their needs and preferences verbally. Moreover, social inclusion has proven to be difficult to conceptualize and implement for people with PIMD. Therefore, it becomes imperative to ask about the ethical rationale of the narrow understanding of social inclusion. For what reasons do we think social inclusion is good? And do those reasons also apply for people with PIMD? This article addresses these questions by providing an ethical analysis of the ideal of social inclusion for people with PIMD. It discusses four ethical arguments for social inclusion and probes their relevance for people with PIMD. The article argues that none of these arguments fully convince of the value of the narrow understanding of social inclusion for people with PIMD. It ends with advocating for an ethical space for imagining a good life for people with PIMD otherwise.
From Symptomatology to Functioning - Applying the ICF to Autism Measures to Facilitate Neurodiversity-Affirmative Data Harmonization
Authors: Black Melissa H , Remnélius Karl Lundin , Alehagen Lovisa , Bourgeron Thomas , Bölte Sven
Published: December 2023

Purpose

A considerable number of screening and diagnostic tools for autism exist, but variability in these measures presents challenges to data harmonization and the comparability and generalizability of findings. At the same time, there is a movement away from autism symptomatology to stances that capture heterogeneity and appreciate diversity. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a classification system that can support content harmonization of different screening and diagnostic tools for autism while enabling the translation of diagnostic information into functioning.

Method

Here we linked commonly used screening and diagnostic measures within the field of autism to the ICF to facilitate the unification of data obtained from these measures.

Results

As expected, screening and diagnostic measures primarily focus on body functions and activities and participation domains of the ICF, and much less on environmental factors, reflecting biomedical and adaptive behavior operationalizations of autism derived from diagnostic manuals.

Conclusion

By translating symptomology-based information to the continuous and diagnostically neutral view of functioning, the ICF linking presented here may provide a means to harmonize measures of autism characteristics while enabling diagnostic information to be re-examined through a more neurodiversity-affirmative lens.
Does a household’s income affect its carbon emissions? Results for single-family homes in Poland
Authors: Karpinska Lilia , Śmiech Sławomir
Published: December 2023

A key challenge of Fit for 55 will be reducing household emissions. For this, it is necessary to understand the factors that influence emissions and the specific role of household income. This study tests the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for households and links carbon emissions with income, housing, energy sources, and hidden energy poverty. We use individual household data from the Polish energy consumption survey complemented with data from a budget survey both compiled by Statistics Poland. The EKC is estimated in two scenarios, i.e. current energy mix, and zero-carbon electricity. Our model is based on the least trimmed squares technique. The study confirms the existence of the inverted U-shaped EKC in households, which is especially relevant for owners of small houses. This finding might be explained by the energy under-consumption often experienced by the poorest households, whereas wealthier households usually live in energy-efficient buildings and use less carbon-intensive fuels. The turning point is reached at 373 euros of income and 3425 kg of carbon emissions in a usual energy mix scenario compared to 560 euros and 5104 kg in a clean electricity scenario. Apart from income, household carbon emissions are interrelated with house size and hidden energy poverty, which should be in policymakers focus.
Equilibrium Solubility of Acetaminophen in Ternary Mixtures as a Tool for Design of Concentrated Parenteral Medications
Authors: Romdhani Asma , Martínez Fleming , Chiappetta Diego A. , Peña Ángeles , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: December 2023

The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the mass/volume percentage (%m/v) solubility of acetaminophen (ACP) in {ethanol (EtOH) (1) + propylene glycol (PG) (2) + water (3)} mixtures from 20.0 to 40.0 °C to expand the solubility database of this drug in mixed pharmaceutical solvents useful for designing high concentrated liquid products including injectable solutions. This is because ACP is an analgesic drug widely used available for oral administration as tablets or solutions. Besides, as injectable products, it is only available for perfusion in as 1 g in 100 mL (1.0%m/v). However, it is not available as 5 mL ampules for supplying doses of 500 mg. As demonstrated in this research some cosolvent mixtures allow ACP concentrations higher than 10.0%m/v, for instance the aqueous ternary mixture with 20% w/w of ethanol and 30% w/w of PG, among other possible mixtures. Flask shake method and UV–vis spectrophotometry were used for ACP solubility determinations at different temperatures. ACP solubility results are presented as Cartesian and triangular solubility profiles. ACP solubility increases with temperature arising and the cosolvent proportion in the mixtures. Maximum %m/v ACP solubility value is observed in the aqueous ethanol binary mixture of w1 = 0.80 at all temperatures being 21.18% at 25.0 °C. All the solubility values were well correlated using the Jouyban-Acree model obtaining mean percentage deviations of 3.8% (N = 330). In this way, %m/v equilibrium solubility of ACP in {EtOH + PG + water} mixtures has been studied and correlated at several temperatures as contribution to preformulation studies of injectable homogeneous liquid pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Approximate Methods for Solving Chance-Constrained Linear Programs in Probability Measure Space
Authors: Shen Xun , Ito Satoshi
Published: December 2023

A risk-aware decision-making problem can be formulated as a chance-constrained linear program in probability measure space. Chance-constrained linear program in probability measure space is intractable, and no numerical method exists to solve this problem. This paper presents numerical methods to solve chance-constrained linear programs in probability measure space for the first time. We propose two solvable optimization problems as approximate problems of the original problem. We prove the uniform convergence of each approximate problem. Moreover, numerical experiments have been implemented to validate the proposed methods.
Death: Never Done Grieving
Authors: Shimkhada Deepak
Published: December 2023

This paper deals with the psychological trauma caused by death and how Hindu culture responds to that trauma. Every culture has a grieving mechanism to ease the pain and suffering brought on by death. In this paper, the author presents his personal experience with death of his parents and his best friend’s families who died of COVID-19. To cope with the loss that death involves, all cultures have some kind of death ceremonies—some are more elaborate than others. Hindu death ceremonies are rooted in texts that guide the grieving one through various steps to keep the bereaved family members preoccupied with ritualistic activities that give them no time to think about the loss. The preta karma is one of the Hindu samskāras related to death that this paper goes into detail to argue that it is designed to ease the bereavement process, a coping mechanism invented before Western psychotherapy came into practice in the nineteenth century.
A RADIOCARBON CHRONOLOGY FOR “GROTTE DI PERTOSA” IN CAMPANIA, SOUTHERN ITALY
Authors: Larocca Felice , Breglia Francesco , Calcagnile Lucio , D’Elia Marisa , Quarta Gianluca
Published: December 2023

The Pertosa Caves, today also known as the Pertosa-Auletta Caves, constitute an important karst system in the Campania region (southern Italy). Crossed by the waters of a river that re-emerges on the surface, they have an overall development of about 3 km. Thanks to the width of the entrance, the excellent location along a natural communication route through the mountains and the natural availability of water directly on the site, the initial part of the cavity was frequented by humans, without interruption, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. During the protohistory, in particular, the moment of most marked human presence is recorded in the cave. In this phase an extensive pile dwelling system was built on the waters of the underground river. The system was probably created to make the location, subject to frequent flooding, suitable for human settlement. This structure today constitutes an archaeological unicum not only in Italy but throughout Europe. We briefly analyze its general characteristics providing the results of a radiocarbon dating campaign which allowed to assess the occupation phases of the different contexts and the life span of the wooden artifacts, which came to us in a very good state of preservation. Radiocarbon data allowed to assess the chronological range of the human frequentation of the caves and to date the exceptionally well preserved underground pile dwelling system.
Preliminary experience with transcatheter closure of wind-sock-like perimembranous ventricular septal defects using Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV devices
Authors: Leong Ming Chern , Hoo Xin Yi , Alwi Mazeni
Published: December 2023

Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV (Abbott, USA) is usually used for the occlusion of abnormal tortuous vessels and has not been tried for the transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with wind-sock morphology. Here, we report on three successful cases of perimembranous ventricular septal defect transcatheter closure using Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV. We did not observe residual shunting or new onset of complications during follow up. These preliminary positive results advocate the application and suitability of Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV for closing wind-sock-like perimembranous ventricular septal defects.
Validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) for use in Brazil
Authors: Avelar Bruna Aparecida , Hino Adriano Akira Ferreira , Santos Anabele Pires , Mendes Larissa Loures , Cardoso Carraro Júlia Cristina , Mendonça Raquel de Deus , Menezes Mariana Carvalho de
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) translated and adapted for use in Brazil.

Design:

Validation of the NEMS-P questionnaire. The questionnaires were applied to assess validity and reliability, based on exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s α coefficient and intra-class correlation, with a significance level of 95 %.

Setting:

Brazil.

Participants:

Adults over 20 years of age diagnosed with hypertension were included in the internal validity and reliability test (n 176) and intra-rater reliability (subsample n 35).

Results:

Factor analysis obtained satisfactory results. Internal consistency was acceptable for most items, with Cronbach’s α ranging from 0·6 to 0·9. The intra-rater reliability of the subsample was also valid, with intra-class correlation coefficient values ranging from 0·5 to 0·9.

Conclusion:

This work reveals the usefulness of the instrument to assess the perceived food environment in the Brazilian context, being able to measure what is proposed according to its theoretical model, and reproduces the values when applied to a sample different from its original validation. However, refinement of some questions is suggested. Finally, it demonstrates the possibility of using the entire instrument or each section independently, according to the food environments to be investigated.
Inhibition of orthotopic castration-resistant prostate cancer growth and metastasis in mice by JC VLPs carrying a suicide gene driven by the PSA promoter
Authors: Chou Chih-Chieh , Tseng Chih-En , Lin Yu-Shih , Wang Meilin , Chen Pei-lain , Chang Deching , Shen Cheng-Huang , Fang Chiung-Yao
Published: December 2023

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is challenging to treat. Virus-like particles (VLPs), originating from JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and carrying a suicide gene driven by the PSA promoter (PSAtk-VLPs), can inhibit tumor growth in animal models of human prostate cancer. However, the efficacy of suppression of orthotopic PCa growth and metastasis by PSAtk-VLPs remains undetermined. Here, we established an iRFP stable expression CRPC cell line suitable for deep-tissue observation using fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). These cells were implanted into murine prostate tissue, and PSAtk-VLPs were systemically administered via the tail vein along with the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV), allowing for the real-time observation of orthotopic prostate tumor growth and CRPC tumor metastasis. Our findings demonstrated that systemic PSAtk-VLPs administration with GCV and subsequent FMT scanning facilitated real-time observation of the suppressed growth in mouse iRFP CRPC orthotopic tumors, which further revealed a notable metastasis rate reduction. Systemic PSAtk-VLPs and GCV administration effectively inhibited orthotopic prostate cancer growth and metastasis. These findings suggest the potential of JCPyV VLPs as a promising vector for mCRPC gene therapy. Conclusively, systemically administered JCPyV VLPs carrying a tissue-specific promoter, JCPyV VLPs can protect genes within the bloodstream to be specifically expressed in specific organs.
Health effects associated with exposure to intimate partner violence against women and childhood sexual abuse: a Burden of Proof study
Authors: Spencer Cory N. , Khalil Mariam , Herbert Molly , Aravkin Aleksandr Y. , Arrieta Alejandra , Baeza María Jose , Bustreo Flavia , Cagney Jack , Calderon-Anyosa Renzo J. C. , Carr Sinclair , Chandan Jaidev Kaur , Coll Carolina V. N. , de Andrade Fabiana Martins Dias , de Andrade Gisele N. , Debure Alexandra N. , Flor Luisa S. , Hammond Ben , Hay Simon I. , Knaul Felicia N. , Lim Rachel Q. H. , McLaughlin Susan A. , Minhas Sonica , Mohr Jasleen K. , Mullany Erin C. , Murray Christopher J. L. , O’Connell Erin M. , Patwardhan Vedavati , Reinach Sofia , Scott Dalton , Sorenson Reed J. D. , Stein Caroline , Stöckl Heidi , Twalibu Aisha , Vasconcelos Nádia , Zheng Peng , Metheny Nicholas , Chandan Joht Singh , Gakidou Emmanuela
Published: December 2023

The health impacts of intimate partner violence against women and childhood sexual abuse are not fully understood. Here we conducted a systematic review by comprehensively searching seven electronic databases for literature on intimate partner violence-associated and childhood sexual abuse-associated health effects. Following the burden of proof methodology, we evaluated the evidence strength linking intimate partner violence and/or childhood sexual abuse to health outcomes supported by at least three studies. Results indicated a moderate association of intimate partner violence with major depressive disorder and with maternal abortion and miscarriage (63% and 35% increased risk, respectively). HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders and self-harm exhibited weak associations with intimate partner violence. Fifteen outcomes were evaluated for their relationship to childhood sexual abuse, which was shown to be moderately associated with alcohol use disorders and with self-harm (45% and 35% increased risk, respectively). Associations between childhood sexual abuse and 11 additional health outcomes, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes mellitus, were found to be weak. Although our understanding remains limited by data scarcity, these health impacts are larger in magnitude and more extensive than previously reported. Renewed efforts on violence prevention and evidence-based approaches that promote healing and ensure access to care are necessary.