bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable effects of periprostatic adipose tissue on prostate cancer cells: Role of adipose tissue lipid composition and cancer cells related factors
Authors: Cancel Mathilde , Crottes David , Bellanger Dorine , Bruyère Frank , Mousset Coralie , Pinault Michelle , Mahéo Karine , Fromont Gaëlle 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPeriprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) is likely to modulate prostate cancer (PCa) progression. We analyzed the variations in the effect of PPAT on cancer cells, according to its fatty acid (FA) composition and tumor characteristics.MethodsThe expression of markers of aggressiveness Ki67 and Zeb1, and epigenetic marks that could be modified during PCa progression, was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on a tissue‐micro‐array containing 59 pT3 PCa, including intra‐prostatic areas and extra‐prostatic foci in contact with PPAT belonging to the same tumor. In addition, we cocultivated PC3 and LNCaP cell lines with PPAT, which were then analyzed for FA composition.ResultsAlthough the contact between PPAT and cancer cells led overall to an increase in Ki67 and Zeb1, and a decrease in the epigenetic marks 5MC, 5HMC, and H3K27ac, these effects were highly heterogeneous. Increased proliferation in extra‐prostatic areas was associated with the international society of uropathology score. PC3 and LNCaP cocultures with PPAT led to increased Ki67, Zeb1 and H3K27me3, but only for PPAT associated with aggressive PCa. PC3 proliferation was correlated with high 20.2 n‐6 and low 20.5n‐3 in PPAT.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the effects of PPAT on cancer cells may depend on both PCa characteristics and PPAT composition, and could lead to propose nutritional supplementation.
An evolutionary algorithm for the direct optimization of covariate balance between nonrandomized populations
Authors: Privitera Stephen , Sedghamiz Hooman , Hartenstein Alexander , Vaitsiakhovich Tatsiana , Kleinjung Frank 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMatching reduces confounding bias in comparing the outcomes of nonrandomized patient populations by removing systematic differences between them. Under very basic assumptions, propensity score (PS) matching can be shown to eliminate bias entirely in estimating the average treatment effect on the treated. In practice, misspecification of the PS model leads to deviations from theory and matching quality is ultimately judged by the observed post‐matching balance in baseline covariates. Since covariate balance is the ultimate arbiter of successful matching, we argue for an approach to matching in which the success criterion is explicitly specified and describe an evolutionary algorithm to directly optimize an arbitrary metric of covariate balance. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method using a simulated dataset of 275,000 patients and 10 matching covariates. We further apply the method to match 250 patients from a recently completed clinical trial to a pool of more than 160,000 patients identified from electronic health records on 101 covariates. In all cases, we find that the proposed method outperforms PS matching as measured by the specified balance criterion. We additionally find that the evolutionary approach can perform comparably to another popular direct optimization technique based on linear integer programming, while having the additional advantage of supporting arbitrary balance metrics. We demonstrate how the chosen balance metric impacts the statistical properties of the resulting matched populations, emphasizing the potential impact of using nonlinear balance functions in constructing an external control arm. We release our implementation of the considered algorithms in Python.
Mrs. Columbo's antipolitics machine: Quantitative data in responsible finance
Authors: Tripathy Aneil , Wood David , Ferry Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMetrics and other forms of quantification as technologies for rendering knowledge as measurable, usually quantitative “data,” in simplified, legible, and portable ways, have become increasingly central within discussions of the economy, and these quantitative tools have equally become the subject of anthropological discussion and critique. The motivations behind and effects of numbers in the field of “responsible finance,” already a space where the “ethical claims” of the economy are made explicit, have themselves become the center of ethical discussion, both within the field of responsible finance and among those anthropologists studying that field. The authors of this article (one an academic, one a practitioner in impact investing, and one a hybrid academic‐practitioner in climate finance) respond to the argument that we suggest is implicitly or explicitly present in most of the work around quantification and metrics, namely, that quantification acts as a kind of “antipolitics machine,” rendering political problems as technical ones and simplifying complex realities.
A Metal‐Organic Framework‐Derived Strategy for Constructing Synergistic N‐Doped Carbon‐Encapsulated NiCoP@N‐C‐Based Anodes toward High‐Efficient Lithium Storage
Authors: Ou Guanrong , Huang Mianying , Lu Xiaomeng , Manke Ingo , Yang Chao , Qian Ji , Lin Xiaoming , Chen Renjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTransition metal phosphides (TMPs) have been regarded as the prospective anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, their poor intrinsic conductivity and inevitable large volume variation result in sluggish redox kinetics and the collapse of electrode structure during cycling, which substantially hinders their practical use. Herein, an effective composite electrodes design strategy of “assembly and phosphorization” is proposed to construct synergistic N‐doped carbon‐encapsulated NiCoP@N‐C‐based composites, employing a metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as sacrificial hosts. Serving as the anodes for LIBs, one representative P‐NCP‐NC‐600 electrode exhibits high reversible capacity (858.5 mAh g−1, 120 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and superior long‐cycle stability (608.7 mAh g−1, 500 cycles at 1 A g−1). The impressive performances are credited to the synergistic effect between its unique composite structure, electronic properties and ideal composition, which achieve plentiful lithium storage sites and reinforce the structural architecture. By accompanying experimental investigations with theoretical calculations, a deep understanding in the lithium storage mechanism is achieved. Furthermore, it is revealed that a more ideal synergistic effect between NiCoP components and N‐doped carbon frameworks is fundamentally responsible for the realization of superb lithium storage properties. This strategy proposes certain instructive significance toward designable high‐performance TMP‐based anodes for high‐energy density LIBs.
Investigations on Tunnel‐Structure MnO2 for Utilization as a High‐Voltage and Long‐Life Cathode Material in Aqueous Ammonium‐Ion and Hybrid‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yang , Xiang Kaixiong , Zhou Wei , Deng Weina , Zhu Hai , Chen Han 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecently, nonmetal NH4+ ions have attracted extensive attention for use as charge carries in the field of energy storage due to their abundant resources, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, the development of aqueous ammonium‐ion batteries (AAIBs) is constrained by the absence of high‐voltage and long‐life materials. Herein, different tunnel‐structure MnO2 materials (α‐, β‐, and γ‐MnO2) are utilized as cathodes for AAIBs and hybrid‐ion batteries and compared, and α‐MnO2 is demonstrated to exhibit the most remarkable electrochemical performance. The α‐MnO2 cathode material delivers the highest discharge capacity of 219 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and the best cyclability with a capacity retention of 95.4% after 10 000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. Moreover, aqueous ammonium‐ion and hybrid‐ion (ammonium/sodium ions) full batteries are successfully constructed using α‐MnO2 cathodes. This work provides a novel direction for the development of aqueous energy storage for practical applications.
Heating the scanning environment during ultrasound upper limb mapping: Impact on arteriovenous fistula creation outcomes and sonographer's perceptions of heating method useability
Authors: Spurway Jacqueline , Luscombe Georgina , Laird Melanie , Chan Conan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThis study explores the impact on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation and maturation of four methods of heating the scanning environment during ultrasound upper limb mapping, and sonographer perceived useability of the environments.MethodA retrospective audit at Orange and Bathurst hospitals involving patients who underwent ultrasound upper limb mapping (2016–2022). Patients were scanned using warm gel and three additional methods of warming. Two sonographers provided their preference and opinions on each environment. Data on AVF type, brachial artery blood flow (QBRA), AVF maturity status at 3 and 6 months and intervention within this timeframe was retrieved. Data from the three additional heated environments was combined for analysis (heated environments) against the heated gel only environment (gel environment).ResultsEighty‐five patients met selection criteria. There was no significant difference in the proportion of successfully created AVFs between the heated and the gel environments (90% vs. 94%). A greater percentage of AVFs mapped in the heated environments reached maturity without intervention compared to the gel environment (70% vs. 48%, respectively). There was a statistically significant higher QBRA in the AVFs mapped in the heated environments (1.25 L/min) that reached maturity by 3 months without intervention compared to the gel environment (0.95 L/m; p = .008). Sonographers found a warm blanket/electric throw the easiest methods of heating the scanning environment.ConclusionUsing an electric throw and/or a warm blanket during ultrasound upper limb mapping is practical and optimises the scan environment, which provides surgeons with quality information that ultimately improves AVF creation outcomes.
Biliteracy in Bilingual Programs: Understanding how Children Read Dual‐Language Books
Authors: Domke Lisa M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBecause dual‐language books (DLBs) print the entire text in two languages nearby on the page, they have great potential for supporting children's biliteracy development by providing contexts to compare/contrast languages. However, little is known about how children read DLBs independently and how they may/may not use such characteristics to support learning. This article reports on a study of the think‐alouds/verbal protocols of 63 Spanish‐English bilingual third and fifth graders and the strategies they used to translate words and retell pages as they read DLBs. Children often took up their identities as language learners and chose to read the language with which they were less familiar. They were also strategic readers, but their strategies were not always accurate. Findings indicate that children would benefit from using DLBs in bi‐/multilingual classrooms and participating in activities such as strategic, analytic translation to build their linguistic knowledge and their biliteracy skills.
Removal of emerging micropollutants from nanofiltration retentate of municipal wastewater within biological fixed‐bed reactors under nitrifying and denitrifying conditions
Authors: Stricker Birthe K. , Tamim Dana A. , Rechtenbach Dorothea , Behrendt Joachim , Otterpohl Ralf 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMunicipal water resource recovery facilities are not designed to eliminate micropollutants, leading to many pollutants entering the aquatic environment. Within this study, as part of the project MicroStop, the biological treatment of nanofiltration effluent (retentate) under pure aerobic (without nitrification) as well as nitrifying and denitrifying conditions has been investigated for micropollutant elimination. A potential of further biotransformation under increased hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 14 days was shown. Under both HRT of 7 and 14 days, eliminations below LOQ were achieved in the aerated bioreactor for gabapentin, iomeprol, and metoprolol, reaching > 95%, > 69 to > 92%, and > 72%, respectively. The reduction of diclofenac was positively influenced by longer HRT leading to an elimination of up to 67%. Sulfamethoxazole was reduced under denitrification, but accumulated under aeration, resulting in fluctuating results and an overall elimination of 78% under 14 days HRT.Practitioner Points
The micropollutant elimination in fixed‐bed bioreactors of highly concentrated nanofiltration retentate was studied.
Pure aerobic (without nitrification), nitrifying, and denitrifying conditions were investigated under hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 7 and 14 days.
Higher initial pollutant concentrations enhanced the biological degradability in attached growth for substances being moderately degradable in activated sludge systems.
4A potential of further biological micropollutant elimination was shown for gabapentin, iomeprol, metoprolol, and diclofenac.
Development of a multivariable prediction model for prolonged air leak after lung resection
Authors: Omura Akiisa , Kanzaki Ryu , Watari Hirokazu , Kawagishi Sachi , Tanaka Ryo , Maniwa Tomohiro , Fujii Makoto , Okami Jiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesProlonged air leak (PAL) is a common complication of lung resection. Research on predictors of PAL using a digital drainage system (DDS) remains insufficient. In this study, we investigated the predictive factors of PAL to establish a novel early postoperative prediction model for PAL.MethodsA retrospective cohort study and validation study were conducted. We examined patients who underwent lung resection with DDS at our institute. The relationship between the clinical factors and measurements of the DDS, including the difference between the set and measured intrapleural pressure (named: additional negative pressure [ANP]) at postoperative hour (POH) 3, with PAL was analyzed.ResultsA total of 494 patients were enrolled, 29 of whom had PAL. Percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s <60%, ANP <1 cmH2O, air leak flow >20 mL/min and pleural adhesion findings at surgery were independent predictors of PAL according to a multivariable analysis. The PAL rate was clearly stratified according to our novel risk scoring system, which simply notes the presence of the above four factors, that is, the rate increases when the score increases. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for this scoring system was 0.818. Analysis of the validation cohort (n = 133) revealed that this scoring system showed a sufficient ability to predict PAL.ConclusionsANP at POH 3 is an independent predictor of PAL. Thus, the risk‐scoring system proposed in this study is useful for predicting PAL in the early postoperative period.
The outcome of closure of inguinal hernia with laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in young adults
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Miyaki Yuichiro , Abe Kumpei , Ueda‐Abe Eri , Shibuya Soichi , Takahashi Toshiaki , Suzuki Kazufumi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHernioplasty is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. However, the optimal procedure for young adults has not been defined yet. Our study compared the outcomes of laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) in young adults with outcomes in children.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients aged 0–30 years who underwent LPEC. Data regarding age, sex, hernia type, surgical time, pre‐intraoperative laterality, contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV), and complications were analyzed.ResultsLPEC was performed on 2642 patients in our hospital. Of these, 51 patients were young adults (aged 15–30 years). Asymptomatic CPPV in unilateral patients was frequent in the <15‐year age group (50.2%) compared to the 15–30‐year age group (15.9%). The median surgical time was shorter in the <15‐year age group (19 min, interquartile range [IQR]: 24–33) compared to that of the 15–30‐year age group (33 min, IQR: 23.3–40.8).ConclusionsThis is the first report on the outcomes in young adult patients who underwent LPEC. The median surgical time was longer in the 15–30‐year age group than in the <15‐year age group. The median follow‐up was 4.7 years with no intra‐postoperative complications, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, persistent pain, and recurrence. LPEC is an effective, cosmetic, and safe surgical treatment in young adults and children.
Conducting Criminological Practitioner Research with Sex Workers in Switzerland
Authors: Molnar Lorena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractResearch with sex workers presents a series of methodological and ethical challenges that need careful consideration. Sex workers are a heterogenous group that has been studied by criminologists mostly in countries where sex work is illegal. Here, we address the methodological and ethical considerations of conducting research as an early career researcher and research practitioner in Switzerland, a country where sex work is legal. Based on three studies between 2017 and 2021 with roughly 140 sex workers, we discuss the need for pragmatism and adaptation to the study’s population. We argue that the researcher or research team needs to cover linguistic and ethnic requirements to access the participants and the figure of researcher–practitioner might allow both the deep understanding of the context and the higher acceptance of the research by the sex workers. Observations, interviews, and surveys are complementary, and they need adaptation. The safety of the researcher and the participants, flexibility, and emotional intelligence are vital topics to be discussed in protocols that address the research with sex workers.
Clemens J. Setz on Bursting the Reader’s Reality Bubble
Authors: Muratova Nataša , Obererlacher Anna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn our article, we explore implications that the indistinguishability of factuality and fictionality in literary works may have on an author’s credibility and their role as an authoritative figure. We do this by looking at one question and one answer in the fictional author interview in Bot – Gespräch ohne Autor (2018) by the Austrian author Clemens J. Setz. Currently, Setz is one of the most distinguished writers in the German-speaking literary scene, known for his versatile literary work and authorial staging practices. Bot plays with the public perception of the author persona Setz and stages an imitation game, also known as the Turing Test. Thus, it affects the perception of truth claims traditionally expected in author interviews. To illustrate, we refer to theoretical approaches to forms and functions of author interviews concerning authorship in the context of the so-called culture of presence and show how Bot reveals a playful reflection on the possibilities, limits, and dangers embedded in the perceived truthfulness within the framework of fiction and authorship, particularly in Setz’s.
Sensitivity of process signals to deviations in material distribution and material properties of hybrid workpieces
Authors: Denkena Berend , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Overmeyer Ludger , Kaierle Stefan , Bergmann Benjamin , Klemme Heinrich , Hermsdorf Jörg , Stonis Malte , Schwarz Nick , Budde Laura , Merkel Paulina , Handrup Miriam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHybrid components, made of multiple materials, can meet the increasing demands for lightweight construction and functional integration in the automotive and aircraft industry. Hybrid semi-finished components are produced by applying a high-alloy cladding to a low-alloy base material before hot-forming and machining the workpiece. Throughout this process chain, workpiece deviations in the form of material distribution and material properties can occur that influence the component’s lifetime. This paper investigates whether such workpiece deviations can be detected within the process chain by analyzing process signals obtained from subsequent process steps. For this purpose, artificial workpiece deviations were introduced to hybrid semi-finished workpieces made of C22.8/X45CrSi9-3. Then, process signals during forming and machining were analyzed to determine their sensitivity to the artificial deviations. The results revealed that deviations in cladding size can be effectively monitored using signals from both forming and machining. Cladding position deviations can only be detected during machining, while forming signals are more responsive to detecting the introduced hardness deviations of approx. 100 HV0.1.
Coexistence in two-species competition with delayed maturation
Authors: El-Hachem Maud , Beeton Nicholas J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInter- and intraspecific competition is most important during the immature life stage for many species of interest, such as multiple coexisting mosquito species that act as vectors of diseases. Mortality caused by competition that occurs during maturation is explicitly modelled in some alternative formulations of the Lotka–Volterra competition model. We generalise this approach by using a distributed delay for maturation time. The kernel of the distributed delay is represented by a truncated Erlang distribution. The shape and rate of the distribution, as well as the position of the truncation, are found to determine the solution at equilibrium. The resulting system of delay differential equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using the linear chain approximation. Numerical solutions are provided to demonstrate cases where competitive exclusion and coexistence occur. Stability conditions are determined using the nullclines method and local stability analysis. The introduction of a distributed delay promotes coexistence and survival of the species compared to the limiting case of a discrete delay, potentially affecting management of relevant pests and threatened species.
Temperature to time Catch-Up: a novel procedural endpoint to predict durable pulmonary vein isolation after cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Willy Kevin , Wolfes Julian , Müller Patrick , Ellermann Christian , Dechering Dirk , Lange Philipp S. , Rath Benjamin , Reinke Florian , Doldi Florian , Güner Fatih , Köbe Julia , Leitz Patrick , Frommeyer Gerrit , Laredo Mikael , Eckardt Lars 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Cryoballoon ablation is a widely used single-shot technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Procedural endpoints ensuring maximal PVI durability are important.

Objective
To assess the performance of cryoablation procedural markers to predict long-term PVI.

Methods
In a single center, consecutive patients who underwent redo ablation with high-density mapping for symptomatic AF recurrence after cryoballoon ablation were included and cryoballoon procedural data were collected, including temperature values at 30 and 60 s, time to isolation, nadir temperature and the velocity of temperature decline estimated with the temperature/time catch-up point (T2T-Catch-Up) defined as positive when the freeze temperature in minus degree equals the time in seconds after cryoablation initiation (e.g. − 15 °C in the first 15 s of the ablation impulse).

Results
47 patients (62% male; 58.3 ± 11.2 years) were included. Overall, 38 (80.9%) patients had ≥ 1 reconnected PV. Among 186 PVs, 56 (30.1%; 1.2 per patient on average) were reconnected. Univariate analysis revealed T2T-Catch-Up in 103 (56%) and more frequent in durably isolated than in reconnected PVs (93 [72%] vs 10 [19%], p < 0.0001). Among binary endpoints, T2T-Catch-Up had the highest specificity (82%) and predictive value for durable PVI at redo ablation (90%). In multivariable analyses, absence of T2T-Catch-Up (Odds-ratio 0.12, 95% CI [0.05–0.31], p < 0.0001) and right superior PV (Odds-ratio 3.14, 95% CI [1.27–7.74], p = 0.01) were the only variables independently associated with PV reconnection.

Conclusion
T2T-Catch-Up, a new and simple cryoballoon procedural endpoint demonstrated excellent predictive value and strong statistical association with durable PVI.

Graphical abstract