Search

Fish spawning location and behaviour can be challenging to detect, especially in deep water. Here we utilise two large acoustic telemetry datasets from western and mid Norway to study the vertical movement dimension of individual Atlantic cod Gadus morhua spawning behaviour in their natural habitats. The datasets comprise ~ 6 million depth detections from 644 sexed, mature cod, collected at seven different Norwegian coastal cod spawning grounds during 2017–2021. During the spawning period, females were typically found at shallower depths compared to males, while this pattern was much less pronounced or absent outside this period. Furthermore, we identify a hitherto undescribed sex-dependent vertical movement behaviour: periodic descents, where females made deep dives, putatively associated with egg release and spawning, approximately every third day. Females not showing this behaviour tended to occupy deeper positions in the water column than the "periodic descent" females and hence may approach and retreat from spawning males more horizontally. These observed sex-specific behaviours correspond well to the lek-like description of the cod mating system and with cod reproductive physiology, where females are known to mature and release batches of eggs at intervals of several days as part of a bet-hedging strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to compare the efficacy of 0.1% tacrolimus and 0.05% clobetasol propionate in orabase for treating symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and methods: Pilot, randomized, and controlled study conducted on 21 patients with symptomatic OLP, selected according to the clinical and histopathological criteria of Cheng et al. 2016. Twelve patients received 0.1% tacrolimus, and nine received 0.05% clobetasol, both in orabase for 30 days with a two-month follow-up. The patients were examined for scores of signs (ODSS), symptoms (VAS), quality of life (OHIP-14), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Scale), and treatment satisfaction (Hedonic Scale). Results: Both treatments were effective in reducing ODSS, VAS, and Beck Anxiety Scale scores and performed well on the hedonic scale, yet without statistical difference between them. However, at the 1-month follow-up, patients in group Clobetasol showed a greater percentage reduction in ODSS score compared to baseline by 50% (p = 0.02) and significantly lower average values (p = 0.03) than those in group Tacrolimus. Longitudinal intragroup analysis revealed significant improvements over time in both groups for ODSS, and only in the tacrolimus group for OHIP-14 and Beck scores. Conclusions: Both tested protocols were effective over a three-month follow-up. However, due to the lower cost of clobetasol propionate it can be considered the first-choice option. Tacrolimus in orabase formulation may be a promising alternative for refractory lesions that do not respond to topical steroids. Clinical relevance: Managing symptomatic OLP is challenging. Comparisons between tacrolimus and clobetasol propionate in orabase formulations have not yet been thoroughly explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become increasingly popular in the post-operative management of abdominal surgery. Published data suggest that patients on ERAS protocols have fewer minor and major complications, and highlight a reduction in medical morbidity (such as urinary and respiratory infections). Limited data is available on surgical complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the ERAS protocol on post-operative complications and length of hospital stay. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the impact of this protocol on cost-effectiveness. Material and methods: From January 2016 to December 2022, 532 colectomies for colorectal cancer (CRC) were performed. A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital on the cohort of patients, aged 18 years and older, operated on for non-urgent colorectal cancer. The impact on post-operative complications, hospital stay and economic impact was analysed in two groups: patients managed under ERAS and non-ERAS protocol. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed between the two groups. Results: After propensity score matching 1:1, each cohort included 71 patients, and clinicopathological characteristics were well balanced in terms of tumour type, surgical technique and surgical approach. ERAS patients experienced fewer infectious complications and a shorter postoperative stay (p < 0.001). In particular, they had an 8.5% reduction in anastomotic dehiscence (p = 0.012) and surgical wound infections (p = 0.029). After analysis of medical complications, no statistically significant differences were identified in urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding or sepsis. ERAS protocol was more efficient and cost-effective than the control group, with an overall savings of 37,673.44€. Conclusions: The implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for elective colorectal surgery in a tertiary hospital was cost-effective and associated with a reduction in post-operative complications, especially infectious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall wind turbines are structures susceptible to high vibration levels, which may affect their optimal functioning and, ultimately, their overall structural stability. One alternative to minimize undesirable vibrations is to install vibration control devices. Various such devices are documented in the literature, with one noteworthy example being the tuned liquid column damper (TLCD), which is a vertical column filled with a liquid mounted at the top of the structure. When the main structure is dynamically excited, the appropriate TLCD vibrates out of phase with the structure, controlling its dynamic response. In this work, the nonlinear vibrations and control of a wind tower-nacelle-blade system subjected to an external harmonic force are studied. Nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, together with the Rayleigh–Ritz method and Hamilton's principle, are used to obtain a set of nonlinear equations of motion, which are, in turn, solved by the Runge–Kutta method. A TLCD device located at the top of the tower is used to control vibrations. First, the effect of blade rotation on the natural frequencies of the system is studied. Second, resonance curves are obtained to study the effect of blade rotation and the frequency of the external force on the nonlinear vibrations of the tower, and the effect of the TLCD on vibration control is also analyzed. This study provides valuable perspectives on the dynamics of offshore wind turbines, contributing to the development of wind energy systems that are more robust and adaptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial communities residing in the mosquito midgut play a key role in determining the outcome of mosquito pathogen infection. Elizabethkingia anophelis, originally isolated from the midgut of Anopheles gambiae possess a broad-spectrum antiviral phenotype, yet a gap in knowledge regarding the mechanistic basis of its interaction with viruses exists. The current study aims to identify pathways and genetic factors linked to E. anophelis antiviral activity. The understanding of E. anophelis antiviral mechanism could lead to novel transmission barrier tools to prevent arboviral outbreaks. We utilized a non-targeted multi-omics approach, analyzing extracellular lipids, proteins, metabolites of culture supernatants coinfected with ZIKV and E. anophelis. We observed a significant decrease in arginine and phenylalanine levels, metabolites that are essential for viral replication and progression of viral infection. This study provides insights into the molecular basis of E. anophelis antiviral phenotype. The findings lay a foundation for in-depth mechanistic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming can affect biomass accumulation and the dynamics of periphytic communities, potentially altering their role in aquatic ecosystem functioning. We conducted a 38-day mesocosm experiment to investigate the effects of an increase in winter temperature on periphyton biomass accumulation under eutrophic conditions. We evaluated the warming effect on colonization phases, identifying the most affected phase. The experiment had two treatments (control: current winter temperature of 23.5 ℃, warming: + 5.7 ℃ under IPCC scenario). It was carried out in growth chambers under controlled temperature, light, and humidity. Periphyton and water samplings were performed on days 3, 6, 9, 13, 17, 21, 27, and 38. The increase in temperature did not affect the organic matter accrual rate of the periphyton. However, it negatively affected the net and gross accrual rate of the algal biomass. Ash-free dry mass and chlorophyll-a ratio in the periphyton increased at higher temperatures, indicating a decrease in autotrophic components in the periphyton in the warming treatment. We detected losses in algal biomass during the intermediate and advanced colonization phases. Our results showed a decrease in periphytic algal biomass with an increase in average temperature in winter. In conclusion, a warming scenario can negatively influence periphyton biomass in eutrophic ecosystems, where algal growth in the community is generally unfavorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Extreme climatic events such as droughts, floods, cyclones, and landslides have adversely affected a homegarden that consists of its inherited characteristics as a secondary forest along with alterations made by human. Households, as the major beneficiary of homegardens, have the responsibility to maintain the homegarden incorporating its structure and composition with functions of the household to make the homegarden resilient to adverse effects. To assess the current climate resilience level of a homegarden, data were collected through an in-depth survey from 435 homegardens in Hambantota, Jaffna, Matale, and Ratnapura districts in Sri Lanka. Climate Resilience Index (CRI) of homegarden was constructed based on absorptive and adaptive capacities using the 13 variables. The mean value of the CRI was 0.375 (± 0.005) which ranged from 0.019 to 0.616. As per the multiple regression analysis performed taking the CRI as the dependent variable, the constructed models were complex, and all the variables were required to determine the level of resilience of a homegarden. Based on the CRI values five categories of homegardens were identified as very low, low, moderate, high and very high resilient. Accordingly, key variables affecting the level of resilience of a homegarden were; application of soil and water conservation methods, requirement of soil conservation, presence of woody trees, above-ground biomass, number of canopy strata, experience in farming and technical knowledge on farming, species richness of tree were selected as resilient variables that indicate absorptive and adaptive capacities. The resilience level of a homegarden can be changed, by altering these variables together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A representative amount of diamonds larger than 10.8 carats extracted from deposits of Yakutia during separate ore processing of each kimberlite pipe has been studied for the first time. It is shown that, according to the diamond typomorphic characteristics of habit, nitrogen content, and aggregation, as well as hydrogen concentration in diamond, it is possible to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the deposit to predict the presence of large and giant diamonds. It has been established that large diamonds from the deposits of the Daldyn-Alakitsky area have wide variations of nitrogen impurity and its aggregations in comparison with diamonds from the Malobotuobinsky and Srednemarkhinsky areas. It is determined that the content of large diamonds in the pipes of Yakutia is inversely proportional to the number of rounded dodecahedroids. The most promising deposits for finding large diamonds are those in which the majority of diamonds belong to one population—average nitrogen low-aggregated diamonds that were formed at a temperature of ~1100°C. According to the study of geological collections of diamonds, it is shown that, in kimberlite pipes with an increased nitrogen content in diamonds, an increase in the proportion of large diamonds in the deposit is noted. On the contrary, according to the aggregation of nitrogen in diamonds, as a parameter of postgrowth history, there is a negative correlation with the content of large diamonds. An increased value of the concentrations of hydrogen in diamonds not only negatively affect the total diamond content of the deposit, but also generally control the decrease in the content of large diamonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated that the serum of pregnant rats increases viability of kidney epithelial cells and promotes their proliferation. The intensity of oxidative stress in the kidneys was also reduced during pregnancy, but only in rats that were not exposed to acute ischemic kidney injury. This decrease in oxidative stress was not associated with changes in transmembrane mitochondrial potential, the size of mitochondria, time of opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), mitochondrial respiration rate, antioxidant activity, or nitric oxide level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global environmental impact of the civil construction industry has spurred the search for sustainable materials. Bamboo, an abundant raw material in tropical regions, offers economic viability and diverse construction applications while sequestering substantial carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, South American bamboo plants lack extensive study and recognition compared with their Asian counterparts. Brazil has shown a growing interest in bamboo, increasing scientific production, publishing standards for its use, and in preservative treatments using aqueous disodium octaborate tetrahydrate. To comply with Brazilian standards and reduce production costs, was obtained a predictive model for electrical conductivity measured in solutions with varying levels of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, copper sulfate, and water sources. The model had a 97.9% correlation between the explained variable, electrical conductivity, and its predictor, the disodium octaborate tetrahydrate level. Its use may foster prototype development that may monitor preservative solutions, permitting reduced costs in bamboo production. Consequently, it may foster sustainable bamboo production and support the environmental goals of the country's construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the condensation of 4-amino-5-R-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones with anthracene-9- carbaldehyde, respective 4-[(anthracene-9′-ylmethylene)amine)]-5-R-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones are prepared and structurally characterized by NMR, UV, IR spectroscopies, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single crystal XRD. The effect of a substituent at position 5 in triazole moieties of azomethines obtained on their head-to-head or head-to-tail crystal packings is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JINR is developing а novate cyclotron for proton therapy (including FLASH) for new JINR's international biomedical research center. The project is about to be put into manufacturing stage. As unavoidable parts of this process, engineering, mechanical, and production limitations impose correction on the physical conceptual design of the cyclotron. Therefore, the initial extraction system, consisting of an electrostatic deflector followed by two magnetic channels with their compensators, was adjusted accordingly to the new model and improved for upcoming manufacturing stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the effects of volume ratios on the properties of GO/(ZnxNi1−x)O ternary composite prepared by a sol–gel technique. The ratios were produced by keeping the volume of graphene oxide (GO) constant whilst varying the volumes of zinc oxide, ZnO and nickel oxide, NiO to produce GO/ZnO0.2NiO0.8, GO/ZnO0.5NiO0.5, and GO/ZnO0.8NiO0.2 nanocomposites. The structural, morphological, elemental, optical, gas sensing, and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanocomposites have been investigated. EDX results confirmed the presence of graphene oxide, nickel oxide, and zinc oxide in the composites. The bandgap energy values exhibited a reduction as compared to the constituent compounds which range from 3.1 to 3.4 eV. Functional groups belonging to carbon, oxygen, nickel, zinc were obtained. The conductivity and activation energy of the ternary composites was also determined. The gas sensing properties were tested for NH3, H2S, and Cl2 at 100 ppm and 10 V; with the highest sensitivity recorded for H2S. The synthesized ternary composites were highly effective in degradation of dye with the efficiencies of 87.3%, 86.7%, and 88.0% respectively, obtained at 0.022 per minute, 0.020 per minute, 0.024 per minute for pseudo-first order rate constant. Results from the characterization show potential application of the composites in gas sensing and photocatalytic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species' plasticity and latitudinal spread have become an increasing matter of concern in rapidly changing climate. The brush-clawed shore crab (Hemigrapsus takanoi), native along northwestern Pacific shores, has established dense populations in northern European coasts. Detrimental effects in natura have been reported, such as displacement of native species and competition for shelter, rasing concerns regarding shellfish early life stages and food webs-posing a threat to wild stocks' recruitment and aquaculture. The species has not yet been observed in southern European countries (e.g., Portugal), where niche habitats such as harbours, mudflats, and lagoons reach higher temperatures than the invaded northern range. The aims of this study were to determine H. takanoi potential to acclimate to a southern thermal range, assess thermal performance, and identify potential competitive advantages over the native shore crab Carcinus maenas. This was accomplished through individual exposure to one of three treatments, resembling a southern European thermal range (17 °C, 21 °C, or 25 °C), for 30 days. H. takanoi thrived in temperatures as high as 25 °C, a realistic thermal scenario in Óbidos Lagoon (the biggest Portuguese lagoon)—while the native shore crab C. maenas underperformed at that treatment, showing lower survival, growth, and feed intake than H. takanoi. These results suggest that H. takanoi may be able to colonise southern and warmer European locations and have higher plasticity than the native species already inhabiting areas close to its upper thermal limits. Under global warming scenarios, inferences of further latitudinal spread and increased invaded range may also be taken to the invaded northern European habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delays in legal proceedings significantly impact both corporate finances and individual livelihoods. Traditional methods for managing these delays typically rely on subjective assessments of what constitutes a reasonable process duration. This study explores a more precise approach by integrating machine learning and process mining techniques to enhance prediction of legal proceedings' overall time. Diverging from previous works that either utilized machine learning analysis or process mining in isolation, this research synergizes these approaches. We applied process mining clustering techniques to over 60,000 cases from Brazilian labor courts to segment cases based on their procedural movements, creating clusters. These clusters, along with other procedural characteristics, such as case subject, class, and digital status, were then incorporated into a feature set for regression modelling. We employed linear regression, support vector regressor, and gradient boosting based methods to develop models that predicted case duration. The gradient boosting model demonstrated the best performance with an R 2 -score of 0.87. Furthermore, our analysis identifies time bands where the model performs better and employs explainable AI techniques to elucidate key features influencing case durations. The clustering features emerged among the most significant for the task. The proposed combined approach offers a comprehensive method for analyzing and forecasting legal case timelines and also shows the potential of process mining clustering techniques to improve the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connecting double quantum dots via a semiconductor-superconductor hybrid segment offers a platform for creating a two-site Kitaev chain that hosts Majorana zero modes at a finely tuned sweet spot. However, the effective couplings mediated by Andreev bound states in the hybrid are generally weak in the tunneling regime. As a consequence, the excitation gap is limited in size, presenting a formidable challenge for using this platform to demonstrate non-Abelian statistics and realize topological quantum computing. Here we systematically study the effects of increasing the dot-hybrid coupling. In particular, the proximity effect transforms the dot orbitals into Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, and as the coupling strength increases, the excitation gap is significantly enhanced and sensitivity to local perturbation is reduced. We also discuss how the strong-coupling regime shows in experimentally accessible quantities, such as conductance, and provide a protocol for tuning a double-dot system into a sweet spot with a large excitation gap. A quantum dot-superconductor array can form a Kitaev chain which hosts Majorana zero modes at a sweet spot. The authors examine how to enhance the excitation gap of the Majorana zero modes, which is crucial for implementing topological quantum computing with enhanced protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mononuclear nickel complexes [NiL1(NCS)2]·2DMSO (I), [NiL1(NCS)2]·DMF (II), and [NiL2(NCS)2]·0.5CH3OH·1.5H2O (III) with the distorted octahedral coordination node, where L1 and L2 are the tetradentate ligand systems derived from the products of the condensation of diacetyl with 2-hydrazinoquinoline and 2-hydrazino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, respectively, are synthesized. The structures of the compounds are determined by IR spectroscopy and XRD (CIF files ССDС nos. 2219793 (I), 2142035 (II), and 2219794 (III)). The quantum chemical modeling of the axial parameter of magnetic anisotropy in the zero field (D) is performed for the synthesized compounds in the framework of the SA-CASSCF+NEVPT2 method. The complexes are shown to be characterized by three-axis magnetic anisotropy close to the light magnetization plane with positive D. The axial parameter of magnetic anisotropy (Dexp = 8.79 cm−1) determined by the approximation of the magnetometry data on complex [NiL2(NCS)2]·0.5CH3OH·1.5H2O is consistent with the calculated value (Dcalc = 11.5 cm−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in neuro-oncology for diagnostics and research purposes necessitates a renewed conversation about informed consent procedures and governance structures for sharing personal health data. There is currently no consensus on how to obtain informed consent for WGS in this population. In this narrative review, we analyze the formats and contents of frameworks suggested in literature for WGS in oncology and assess their benefits and limitations. We discuss applicability, specific challenges, and legal context for patients with (recurrent) glioblastoma. This population is characterized by the rarity of the disease, extremely limited prognosis, and the correlation of the stage of the disease with cognitive abilities. Since this has implications for the informed consent procedure for WGS, we suggest that the content of informed consent should be tailor-made for (recurrent) glioblastoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The gold standard for diagnostics in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is histopathological diagnosis after stereotactic biopsy. Yet, PCNSL has a multidisciplinary diagnostic work up, which associated with diagnostic delay and could result in treatment delay. This article offers recommendations to neurosurgeons involved in clinical decision-making regarding (novel) diagnostics and care for patients with PCNSL with the aim to improve uniformity and timeliness of the diagnostic process for patients with PCNSL. Methods: We present a mini review to discuss the role of stereotactic biopsy in the context of novel developments in diagnostics for PCNSL, as well as the role for cytoreductive surgery. Results: Cerebrospinal fluid-based diagnostics are supplementary and cannot replace stereotactic biopsy-based diagnostics. Conclusion: Histopathological diagnosis after stereotactic biopsy of the brain remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Additional diagnostics should not be a cause of diagnostic delay. There is currently no sufficient evidence supporting cytoreductive surgery in PCNSL, with recent studies showing contradictive data and suboptimal study designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Kitaev chains can be used to engineer Majorana bound states (MBSs) in superconductor–semiconductor hybrids1–4. In this work, we realize a two-site Kitaev chain in a two-dimensional electron gas by coupling two quantum dots through a region proximitized by a superconductor. We demonstrate systematic control over inter-dot couplings through in-plane rotations of the magnetic field and via electrostatic gating of the proximitized region. This allows us to tune the system to sweet spots in parameter space, where robust correlated zero-bias conductance peaks are observed in tunnelling spectroscopy. To study the extent of hybridization between localized MBSs, we probe the evolution of the energy spectrum with magnetic field and estimate the Majorana polarization, an important metric for Majorana-based qubits5,6. The implementation of a Kitaev chain on a scalable and flexible two-dimensional platform provides a realistic path towards more advanced experiments that require manipulation and readout of multiple MBSs.We have implemented a two-site Kitaev chain in a two-dimensional electron gas by coupling quantum dots through Andreev bound states in a superconductor–semiconductor hybrid region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Pt(1.5%)Sn(0.25%)/Al2O3 catalyst synthesized by the sequential impregnation of γ-alumina with aqueous solutions of hydroplatinic acid and tin chloride has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The kinetic laws governing methylcyclohexane dehydrogenation to toluene and hydrogen in a tubular flow reactor in the isothermal mode at atmospheric pressure have been studied, while varying the reactant concentrations, contact time, and temperature. An empirical mathematical model of kinetics, which includes three adsorption forms of a bifunctional active site, has been developed. The model adequately describes the test data for the forward and reverse reaction routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of finding the values of asymptotic normalization coefficients (ANC) is proposed based on the analytic continuation of the -matrix that describes the elastic nuclear scattering into the unphysical region of the negative energy of collision (). The formula is derived, expressing the partial-wave scattering amplitude through the -matrix and modified Coulomb functions. This formula allows, when continuing the amplitude to the region , to overcome difficulties associated with irregular behavior of the scattering amplitude near if the Coulomb interaction is present. The proposed method is used to determine the ANC for the channel C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the integration and unification of the philosophy and psychology of well-being. For the most part, these disciplines investigate well-being without reference to each other. In recent years, however, with the maturing of each discipline, there have been a growing number of calls to integrate the two. While such calls are welcome, what it means to integrate well-being philosophy and psychology can vary greatly depending on one’s theoretical and practical ends. The aim of this paper is to provide a novel conceptual framework for thinking about integrating well-being philosophy and psychology that systematically categorizes different kinds of integration projects. We divide existing attempts in the literature into three broad categories according to the perspective from which the integration takes place: (1) top-down meta-theoretical unification; (2) psychological integration within philosophy; and (3) philosophical integration within psychology. These categories are then broken down into various further subcategories. Our aim in providing this framework is both to facilitate the assessment and comparison of existing integration attempts and to provide a roadmap for future integration attempts. For each category, we discuss one or two representative examples of the approaches. By doing so, we hope to generate interest in the wide variety of existing integration projects, as well as to generate discussion concerning the benefits and pitfalls of different approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical resistivity of Co48Fe25Si4B19Nb4 amorphous alloy and with small additions of rare-earth metals (= Nd, Sm, Tb, Yb) was studied using the AC four-probe method. It was found that these alloys have a specific behavior of electrical resistivity after crystallization-temperature dependences of resistivity at cooling are non-linear and can be fitted as ln R ~ T−1/4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every fourth person in the world currently has kidney problems to one or another degree. It is known that the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory disease, but the kidney is a target organ. The coronavirus is tropic to kidney tissue due to the presence in the organ of RNA of angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 and transmembrane serine protease 2, which is considered to be a target of this virus. The presence of renal failure in any stage is an independent unfavorable risk factor for contracting coronavirus and leads to a high frequency of hospitalization and mortality rate. Kidney failure is caused by various pathogenetic mechanisms: the direct cytopathic effect of the virus on their structures (podocytes, mesangial cells in the renal corpuscle, capillary endothelium in the glomerulus, epithelial cells in the proximal tubules), cytokine storm, damage to the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and immunothrombosis. In many patients with confirmed coronavirus infection, from the first days of the disease, laboratory tests show significant changes in urine analysis (hematuria, proteinuria) and increased level of creatinine in the blood serum. The development of acute kidney injury is a main mortality risk factor. More research is needed into the exact effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the kidneys. Understanding the main pathogenetic pathways of their damage in COVID-19 is necessary to develop strategies and effective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of Ag and Sb(III) and Sn(IV) sulfides were investigated by x-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and microstructure analysis methods. The quaternary compound Ag11Sb3SnS12 was found for the first time in the Ag2S-Sb2S3-SnS2 system at 500 K (227 °C) at the intersection of AgSbS2-Ag8SnS6 and Ag3SbS3-Ag2SnS3. The compound melts congruently at 920 K (647 °C) and has a polymorphous transition at 646 K (373 °C). The quasi-ternary system is characterized by solid solution ranges of the binary compounds Ag2S, Sb2S3, SnS2, ternary Ag3SbS3, AgSbS2, Ag8SnS6, Ag2SnS3 and quaternary compound Ag11Sb3SnS12. The separation of the composition triangle into 10 single-phase, 18 two-phase, and 9 three-phase fields was established. Seven vertical sections were investigated of which five are quasi-binary (Ag3SbS3-Ag8SnS6, Ag3SbS3-Ag2SnS3, AgSbS2-Ag8SnS6, AgSbS2-Ag2SnS3, AgSbS2-SnS2). The AgSbS2-Ag4Sn3S8 and AgSbS2-Sb2SnS5 sections are non-quasi-binary due to peritectic formation of Ag4Sn3S8 and Sb2SnS5. The liquidus surface projection of the Ag2S-Sb2S3-SnS2 system consists of 10 fields of primary crystallization of the solid solutions α-Ag2S, β-Sb2S3, γ-SnS2, δ-Ag3SbS3, ε′-AgSbS2, ζ-Ag8SnS6, η-Ag2SnS3, σ-Ag11Sb3SnS12 and compounds Ag4Sn3S8 and Sb2SnS5. These are separated by curves of monovariant equilibria that converge at 9 ternary invariant points (7 eutectic (E1-E7) and 2 quasi-peritectic (U1, U2)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulch films are intensively used to increase productivity in agriculture. A large amount of plastic waste from mulch films is accumulated in the topsoil of agricultural fields around the world. A solution to this problem is the replacement of disposable plastics by biodegradable ones. The paper presents the results of tests of polylactide-based biodegradable materials for agriculture. It is shown that despite hydrophobicity polylactide is easily hydrolyzed, which subsequently leads to destruction of the films based on it. An analysis of the biodegradability of the materials obtained shows that after incubation in a soil for 90 days the weight loss of pure PLA of various grades is lower than that of PLA/PBAT and PLA/NR mixtures and the thermophysical characteristics of PLA change: its melting temperature decreases by 2–5°C and the degree of crystallinity decreases by 2–6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors, such as light, water, and temperature, have a combined impact on polymer materials. The present work considers the effect of ultraviolet radiation and distilled water on PLA/PBAT mixtures. It is found that as the content of PBAT in the PLA matrix is increased above 40 wt % the photodegradation of the material slows down. For example, after exposure to UV radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm for 100 h, the melting temperature of pure PLA decreases by 7°C, while that in the 70 PLA/30PBAT mixture decreases by 4°C. X-ray diffraction studies show that the crystalline phase of polylactide is destroyed after UV irradiation. The resulting PLA/PBAT materials undergo hydrolytic degradation, which is of importance for application in agriculture. In the composites close to phase inversion, the degree of water uptake increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting magnetic ordering in kagome compounds offers the possibility of harnessing topological or flat-band physical properties through tuning of the magnetism. Here, we examine the magnetic interactions and phases of ErMn6Sn6 which belongs to a family of RMn6Sn6, R = Sc, Y, Gd–Lu, compounds with magnetic kagome Mn layers, triangular R layers, and signatures of topological properties. Using results from single-crystal neutron diffraction and mean-field analysis, we find that ErMn6Sn6 sits close to the critical boundary separating the spiral-magnetic and ferrimagnetic ordered states typical for non-magnetic versus magnetic R layers, respectively. Finding interlayer magnetic interactions and easy-plane Mn magnetic anisotropy consistent with other members of the family, we predict the existence of a number of temperature and field dependent collinear, noncollinear, and noncoplanar magnetic phases. We show that thermal fluctuations of the Er magnetic moment, which act to weaken the Mn-Er interlayer magnetic interaction and quench the Er magnetic anisotropy, dictate magnetic phase stability. Our results provide a starting point and outline a multitude of possibilities for studying the behavior of Dirac fermions in RMn6Sn6 compounds with control of the Mn spin orientation and real-space spin chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-(quinolin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (L), its O-ethyl derivative, and the L2Be(II) complex have been synthesized. It has been found that the complex with Be(II) fluoresces intensely with φ = 0.37–0.42 in the blue region of the visible spectrum (λflmax 450–456 nm), whereas ligand (L) and its O-ethyl derivative emit light with a low quantum yield because of the ESIPT process and conformational non-rigidity, respectively. The alternative structures of ligand (L), its O-ethyl derivative, L2Be(II) complex, and their most energetically stable conformers and isomers were found by calculation using the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied soils of the western coast of the Chivyrkui and Barguzin bays on the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula, which is the largest peninsula of Lake Baikal in the Republic of Buryatia. Morphogenetic characteristics of soils on the main types of coasts of the peninsula—low abrasion with isolated lagoons, low abrasion, accumulative, and ingression—are given. Rocks in the basis of the coasts of the bays are an important factor of soil formation. It is shown that the genesis of soils depends on the distance from the lake and the altitude, resulting in the difference in their structure and properties. The soils are not directly affected and flooded by lake water due to high mountainous coasts, which are often rocky with steep slopes. Soil formation beyond the floodplain regime is also typical for soils of the closest to the lake level: soddy podzols, which occupy low shores of accumulative types. The particle-size composition of the studied soils varies widely from loose sand to light clay. The common properties of soils include acid and weakly acid reaction, the regressive-accumulative type of humus distribution, and differentiation of bulk oxides along the profile. The revealed evidences of podzolization in Al–Fe-humus soils and of clay accumulation in brown soils are related to sufficient moistening of the coasts and the warming effect of the lake water mass. The research results may be used in landscape planning in territorial organization and monitoring work in recreation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves and twigs of Knema tonkinensis. The essential oil was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, and a total of eighty-six compounds were identified. The major constituents of the oils were β-pinene, α-pinene, bicyclogermacrene, caryophyllene, and copaene. The essential oil from the leaves showed strong antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and yeast, while the essential oil from the twigs also exhibited antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria. This research was supported by the Ph.D. Scholarship Programme of Vingroup Innovation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are used as predictive biomarkers to select therapy with EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Other factors may be significant determinants of benefit. Methods: Individual patient data from randomised trials with a head-to-head comparison between EGFR mAb versus no EGFR mAb (chemotherapy alone or best supportive care) in mCRC, across all lines of therapy, were pooled. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between groups. Treatment effects within the predefined KRAS biomarker subsets were estimated by adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) and 95% confidence interval (CI). EGFR mAb efficacy was measured within the KRAS wild-type subgroup according to BRAF and NRAS mutation status. In both KRAS wild-type and mutant subgroups, additional factors that could impact EGFR mAb efficacy were explored including the type of chemotherapy, line of therapy, age, sex, tumour sidedness and site of metastasis. Results: 5675 patients from 8 studies were included, all with known mCRC KRAS mutation status. OS (HRadj 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, p = 0.01) and PFS benefit (HRadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.68–0.79, p < 0.001) from EGFR mAbs was observed in the KRAS wild-type group. PFS benefit was seen in patients treated with fluorouracil (HRadj 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.82) but not with capecitabine-containing regimens (HRadj 1.04, 95% CI 0.86–1.26) (pinteraction = 0.002). Sidedness also interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy, with survival benefit restricted to left-sided disease (pinteraction = 0.038). PFS benefits differed according to age, with benefits greater in those under 70 (pinteraction = 0.001). The survival benefit was not demonstrated in those patients with mutations found in the KRAS, NRAS or BRAF genes. The presence of liver metastases interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy in patients with KRAS mutant mCRC (pinteraction = 0.004). Conclusion: The benefit provided by EGFR mAbs in KRAS WT mCRC is associated with left-sided primary tumour location, younger patient age and absence of NRAS or BRAF mutations. Survival benefit is observed with fluorouracil but not capecitabine. Exploratory results support further research in KRAS mutant mCRC without liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning algorithms often contain many hyperparameters whose values affect the predictive performance of the induced models in intricate ways. Due to the high number of possibilities for these hyperparameter configurations and their complex interactions, it is common to use optimization techniques to find settings that lead to high predictive performance. However, insights into efficiently exploring this vast space of configurations and dealing with the trade-off between predictive and runtime performance remain challenging. Furthermore, there are cases where the default hyperparameters fit the suitable configuration. Additionally, for many reasons, including model validation and attendance to new legislation, there is an increasing interest in interpretable models, such as those created by the decision tree (DT) induction algorithms. This paper provides a comprehensive approach for investigating the effects of hyperparameter tuning for the two DT induction algorithms most often used, CART and C4.5. DT induction algorithms present high predictive performance and interpretable classification models, though many hyperparameters need to be adjusted. Experiments were carried out with different tuning strategies to induce models and to evaluate hyperparameters' relevance using 94 classification datasets from OpenML. The experimental results point out that different hyperparameter profiles for the tuning of each algorithm provide statistically significant improvements in most of the datasets for CART, but only in one-third for C4.5. Although different algorithms may present different tuning scenarios, the tuning techniques generally required few evaluations to find accurate solutions. Furthermore, the best technique for all the algorithms was the Irace. Finally, we found out that tuning a specific small subset of hyperparameters is a good alternative for achieving optimal predictive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the synthesis methods, chemical transformations, and biological activity of 4H-3,1-benzoxazines and their dihydro derivatives, including coordination compounds of the dihydro derivatives with transition metals, are systematized and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the role of CO2 and CO electronically excited states in the kinetics of CO2 cold non-equilibrium plasma discharges by means of a state-to-state OD kinetic model based on the simultaneous and self-consistent solution of the electron Boltzmann equation and the master equations describing the vibrationally and electronically excited state kinetics and the plasma composition. A new CO2 dissociation model based on the use of the Biagi electron impact excitation cross sections, considered as fully dissociative, of several CO2 electronic excited states, in the energy range from 6.5 to 25 eV, is tested and compared with the results obtained by using the Phelps database in typical glow and microwave discharge conditions. Moreover, a refinement of the kinetics of the CO a 3 Π excited state is proposed by including new production and loss terms and the effect of the change of its time evolution density on the eedf, the electron temperature, the CO2 and CO vibrational distribution functions, electron impact and vibrational induced dissociation rates is investigated. Finally, the contribution of the CO a 3 Π state to CO2 dissociation is examined in terms of production and recombination (or back-reaction) processes both in microwave and glow discharge conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses methodological approaches to the generation of long-term time series of water balance elements to assess and forecast river waters in the outlet section of a river catchment area. The study relies on the example of the Volga River basin. New approaches are proposed to determine difficult-to-measure water balance elements, such as evapotranspiration and changes in the basin soil moisture storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convergence of neural implants with artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities for the development of novel neural implants and improvement of existing neurotechnologies. While such technological innovation carries great promise for the restoration of neurological functions, they also raise ethical challenges. Developers of AI-driven neural implants possess valuable knowledge on the possibilities, limitations and challenges raised by these innovations; yet their perspectives are underrepresented in academic literature. This study aims to explore perspectives of developers of neurotechnology to outline ethical implications of three AI-driven neural implants: a cochlear implant, a visual neural implant, and a motor intention decoding speech-brain-computer-interface. We conducted semi-structured focus groups with developers (n = 19) of AI-driven neural implants. Respondents shared ethically relevant considerations about AI-driven neural implants that we clustered into three themes: (1) design aspects; (2) challenges in clinical trials; (3) impact on users and society. Developers considered accuracy and reliability of AI-driven neural implants conditional for users' safety, authenticity, and mental privacy. These needs were magnified by the convergence with AI. Yet, the need for accuracy and reliability may also conflict with potential benefits of AI in terms of efficiency and complex data interpretation. We discuss strategies to mitigate these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate analytically and numerically the dynamics of an injection locked in-plane uniform spin torque oscillator for several forcing configurations at large driving amplitudes. For the analysis, the spin wave amplitude equation is used to reduce the dynamics to a general auto oscillator equation in which the forcing is a complex valued function F (p , ψ) ∝ ϵ 1 (p) c o s (ψ) + i ϵ 2 (p) s i n (ψ) . Assuming that the oscillator is strongly non-isochronous and/or forced by a power forcing ( | ν ϵ 1 / ϵ 2 | ≫ 1 ), we show that the parameters ϵ 1 , 2 (p) govern the main bifurcation features of the Arnold tongue diagram: (i) the locking range asymmetry is mainly controlled by the derivative d ϵ 1 / d p , (ii) the loss of stability when the frequency mismatch between the generator and the oscillator increases occurs for a power threshold depending on ϵ 1 , 2 (p) and (iii) the frequency hysteretic range is related to the transient regime at zero mismatch frequency. Then, the model is compared with the macrospin simulation for driving amplitudes as large as 10 0 - 10 3 A / m for the magnetic field and 10 10 - 10 12 A / m 2 for the current density. As predicted by the model, the forcing configuration (nature of the driving signal, applied stimuli direction, harmonic orders) affects substantially the oscillator dynamic. However, some discrepancies are observed. In particular, the prediction of the frequency and power locking range boundaries may be misestimated if the hysteretic boundaries are of same magnitude order. Moreover, the misestimation can be of two different types according to the bifurcation type. These effects are a further manifestation of the complexity of the dynamics in non-isochronous auto-oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perinatal depression and sleep difficulties are common among studies conducted in high income countries (HIC). This study examines the relationship between sleep difficulties and depression during the perinatal period and over an eight-year follow-up period in South Africa, a middle income country. Method: A population cohort of 1238 pregnant women (mean age = 26.33) in 24 township neighborhoods in South Africa were recruited and reassessed six times over the next 8 years post birth with follow-up rates of 96–83%. The relationship between maternal depressed mood and sleep difficulties was examined over time, as well as the relationship of sleep with other socioeconomic, environmental, and psychiatric risk factors. Results: Thirty-five percent of the women reported sleep difficulties during the perinatal period; whereas only 8% reported sleep difficulties at 8-year follow-up. Perinatal sleep difficulties were associated with lower income, lower educational attainment, less access to electricity, more food insecurity, higher rates of interpersonal violence and HIV, alcohol consumption, and depressed mood at 8 years. However, the severity of depressed mood was the strongest predictor of sleep problems longitudinally and cross-sectionally, after accounting for all other risk factors. Conclusions: We found that the severity of depressed mood is highly associated with sleep difficulties from pregnancy to 8 years post-birth and in a linear relationship, so that higher depressed mood is associated with more sleep problems. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration: # NCT00996528. Significance: Sleep is understudied among people living in poverty in LMIC's. To our knowledge this is the first study to (a) investigate the relationship between sleep difficulties and depression in a sample of high-risk, black women living in poverty in a LMIC and (b) study the relationship between sleep and depression continuously from the perinatal period through 8 years post-partum in a LMIC. The study finds that sleep difficulties and depression are highly correlated during this period even after accounting for other socioeconomic, environmental and psychiatric risk factors in this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures affect a large number of elderly people and cause significant issues with pain and mobility. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) are employed to treat those who remain symptomatic, with comparable clinical outcomes. Although PVP is faster and less expensive, concerns around cement-leakage complications make PKP perceptively safer. Methods: By means of systematic review, we sought to ascertain whether PVP did carry a higher risk of cement-leakage and associated symptomatic complications (neural compromise, pulmonary embolism and need for emergency decompression surgery). Results: Our search of 138 articles returned six studies after shortlisting and manual review: three randomised-controlled trials, and three retrospective comparative studies which met our criteria and directly compared cement-leakage rates and complications between the two treatments. 532 PVPs and 493 PKPs recorded 213 (39.3%) and 143 (28.9%) leaks, respectively (p < 0.0005). Of these, no leaks resulted in any of the aforementioned leak-related complications. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity of the data. Conclusions: We therefore concluded that whilst PVP does result in more cement leaks, this does not appear to be clinically significant. Further studies would add weight to this conclusion, and cost-effectiveness should be assessed to restore confidence in PVP. Level of evidence: Level III Evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of dead cells (efferocytosis) contributes to the resolution of the infection and preservation of the tissue. Depending on the environment milieu, macrophages may show inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. Inflammatory leukocytes are recruited during infection, followed by the accumulation of infected and non-infected apoptotic cells (AC). Efferocytosis of non-infected AC promotes TGF-β, IL-10, and PGE2 production and the polarization of anti-inflammatory macrophages. These M2 macrophages acquire an efficient ability to remove apoptotic cells that are involved in tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. On the other hand, the impact of efferocytosis of infected apoptotic cells on macrophage activation profile remains unknown. Here, we are showing that the efferocytosis of gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae-AC (Sp-AC) or gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae-AC (Kp-AC) promotes distinct gene expression and cytokine signature in macrophages. Whereas the efferocytosis of Kp-AC triggered a predominant M1 phenotype in vitro and in vivo, the efferocytosis of Sp-AC promoted a mixed M1/M2 activation in vitro and in vivo in a model of allergic asthma. Together, these findings suggest that the nature of the pathogen and antigen load into AC may have different impacts on inducing macrophage polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blends of polylactide and polybutylene adipate terephthalate of various compositions are obtained by mixing in the melt followed by pressing. The content of PBAT in the blends is 10, 20, and 30 wt %. The effect of water on film samples at a temperature of (22 ± 2)°C is studied for 270 days. After exposure, a change in morphology is detected: turbidity of the samples and the appearance of defects. The thermophysical characteristics before and after hydrolytic degradation are determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The decrease in the cold crystallization temperature in pure PLA and in a sample with a low content of PBAT (10%), as well as the disappearance of the cold crystallization peak at a content of 20 and 30 wt % of PBAT, is shown. The degree of crystallinity of PLA after exposure to water tends to increase from 0 to 16%. Changes in the chemical structure of the mixed samples are monitored by IR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a robust industrial drive for resolving the issues related to packaging materials for contributing a pivotal essence towards circular economy via their recycling. Nanotechnology is one of them, which is able to contribute and develop a prime impact on both quantitative and qualitative manufacturing of safe and effective foods/food components (perishable or semi-perishable) with a pragmatic assessment of enhanced shelf life. In this review, a brief overview was perceived on nanocomposite materials towards food packaging. Numerous polymeric/metallic nanocomposite systems (natural and synthetic) were explored for their migration issues; antioxidant, antimicrobial, and barrier properties; recyclability; consumer acceptability; toxicity; and regulatory aspects. The discussion was also extended with some recent trends and future perspectives of cutting-edge nanomaterials (nanosensors) in smart food processing, packaging, security, storage, quality evaluation of preserved foods, and the methods arrayed for assessing the nanomaterial impact over the biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation, characterization and usage of ginger residues as adsorbents of glycerol impurities were evaluated in the present work as an alternative to provide a suitable destination of ginger waste. Many biochars have been used as adsorbents, thus motivating the reuse of different agro-industrial by-products and making the adsorption process suitable for the treatment of industrial waste. Besides, there were no studies using ginger waste as an adsorbent for the purification of glycerol from biodiesel production. The material was characterized in relation to SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and BET (Surface Area). After characterization, adsorption was performed initially with the adsorbent after heat treatment. The influence of different variables in adsorption process was evaluated through batch adsorption experiments in which was possible to establish the best experimental conditions. Thus, the contact time varied from 0 to 10 to 30 mg/L and from 0 to 150 s for 60 and 90 mg/L, the temperature ranged from 25 to 45 °C and the initial concentration of glycerol solution ranged from 30 to 90 mg/L while the adsorbent mass was kept at 0.05 g. Another analysis was made to obtain equilibrium data. In this case, the experiments were conducted by the addition of 0.05 g of adsorbent in a 25 mL of glycerin solution at various concentrations, whereas temperature and agitation was constant. A comparative analysis among ginger adsorbents, provided by chemical and thermal treatment, and commercial adsorbents such as clay and activated carbon was also made in order to determine its adsorbent capacity. These experiments were carried out at the best-operating conditions determined previously. The results indicated that the analysis by specific surface area (BET) showed that there was a small variation of the same order of magnitude in the surface area (13.18 m2/g), diameter (125.02 Å), and volume of the pores (0.017 cm3/g), indicating the presence of adsorbate in the adsorbent. The pore diameters of the adsorbents showed mesoporosity. Ginger residues thermally treated showed comparable adsorbent capacity to clay as impurity removal obtained was 75%. These results were better than those obtained with commercial activated carbon after chemical treatment (57%). The kinetic modeling demonstrated a better adjustment of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models to experimental data, suggesting the controlling steps of adsorption impurities is governed by a simultaneous physisorption-chemisorption mechanism. Thus, the material proved to be a promising alternative adsorbent in the removal of glycerol impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetocaloric Effect (MCE) of a quantum pseudodot was investigated by considering the influence of spin–orbit interaction (SOI). The entropy and internal energy change have been calculated using the Tsallis formulation. Our results reveal that both the SOI effect and external parameters have a significant impact on the entropy and internal energy changes of a quantum pseudodot. It is important to note that the MCE is closely linked to the behavior of the magnetic dipoles, and the presence of external magnetic fields and SOI exert considerable influence on the entropy change, both analytically and numerically. Additionally, our results highlight the sensitivity of the MCE to the extensivity parameter q . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Node-positive prostate cancer is a potentially curable disease. Definitive radiotherapy to the prostate and lymphatic drainage is an effective treatment option but prospective long-term outcome data are scarce. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of definitive radiation therapy for men with prostate cancer and nodal metastases using modern irradiation techniques. Methods: A total of 40 treatment-naïve men with node-positive prostate cancer were allocated to the trial. All patients received definitive radiation therapy at two German university hospitals between 2009 and 2018. Radiation was delivered as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with 51 Gy to the lymphatic drainage with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) up to 61.2 Gy to involved nodes and 76.5 Gy to the prostate in 34 fractions. Feasibility and safety, overall and progression-free survival, toxicity, and quality of life measurements were analyzed. Results: During a median follow-up of 79 months, median overall survival was 107 months and progression-free survival was 78 months. Based on imaging follow-up, no infield relapse was reported during the first 24 months of follow-up. There were 3 (8%) potentially treatment-related grade 3 toxicities. Common iliac node involvement was associated with a higher risk of progression (HR 15.8; 95% CI 2.1–119.8; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Definitive radiation to the lymphatic drainage with SIB to the involved nodes and prostate is a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with treatment-naïve, node-positive prostate cancer with excellent infield tumor control rates and tolerable toxicity. Location rather than number of involved nodes is a major risk factor for progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems of the paleogeographical evolution and changes in sedimentation environment within the Indigirka River paleovalley (the East Siberian Sea) are discussed. Based on the results of geophysical and geological research and a high-resolution study of sediment cores (grain size analysis, geochemistry, macro- and micropaleontology, pollen analysis, radiocarbon dating) the development of the Holocene marine transgression has been reconstructed, sedimentation rates have been calculated, and the basic principles of changes in sedimentation processes have been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the coupled aldol condensation—hydrogenation processing of ethyl methyl ketone on a Pd/activated carbon catalyst were studied. The phase and chemical composition of activated carbon, as well as the carbon based catalyst, were studied using powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. We established the influence of the reaction temperature, palladium mass content, contact time, and H2/EtC(O)Me molar ratio on the main parameters of the process, namely, on the conversion of the starting EtC(O)Me and the selectivity of the formation of 5-methylheptan-3-one and 3-methylheptane. The optimal process conditions were selected (0.3 wt.% of palladium, 300 °C, contact time 17 s, a 1.25 H2/EtC(O)Me molar ratio), allowing to achieve a 96% total selectivity for the target products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]